Bringing structure to the grading of blog posts

Every semester I struggle with the grading of my students’ blog posts. For most of my students in my Online Media class, it is the first time that they have blogged.

It takes awhile for students to adjust to online communication and how the blogosphere plays a part. I just finished grading their first two posts in my class. Based on my experience, I felt compelled to create a rubric for grading blogs in future classes. I would appreciate any suggestions. Feel free to apply it to your class. Here is the PDF of the grading rubric for blog posts.

*Hat tip to Dale Cressman for the idea.

September 17, 2009 · Filed Under Blogs, Social media, Teaching

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Teaching the value of Twitter

I gave a lecture yesterday to my Online Media students on Twitter. I explain the anatomy of Twitter and how it can be used for online communication, community building, brand management and networking. If you would like to see my lecture, please visit my slideshare site.

September 16, 2009 · Filed Under Social media, Teaching

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Investment in video at newspapers not significant

There was a push for video in 2006, however that emphasis may be changing at U.S. newspapers.

Video is published only a few times a week at most U.S. newspapers, according to a recent survey published in the Newspaper Research Journal by John Russial.

The online staff is usually responsible for editing video. Online staff averaged 11 people at large-circulation sized , 5 at mid-sized, and 2 at small papers. However, it is photographers (75%) and reporters (45%) who are responsible for gathering video, and very few news leaders report using a team to produce video stories for the web, which may result in lesser quality work. Russial argues that this may mean that people with broad technical skills rather specific skills are valued at newspapers.

September 2, 2009 · Filed Under Multimedia, Research

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Developing a personal brand statement

I enjoyed encouraging my students last semester to reflect and communicate who they are in one to two sentences. Students can post their statements on their sites (e.g., Google Profile, LinkedIn, Twitter) to quickly communicate who they are and what they want to do professionally.

Here are statements from my Spring 09 Honors class:
“I am a politics and public policy reporter with experience using public records and personal relationships to break stories at all levels of government.”

“I am a bilingual print and online journalist who believes in the power journalistic words can have in exposing injustice and catalyzing change.”

“I am a writer who loves interacting with people and want to use my talents to promote my interests in the areas of entertainment and community service.”

“I’m a media communications professional with 15 years of journalism and public relations experience, specializing in the use of narrative to inspire emotion.”

“I am a bilingual, global-minded journalist who believes in telling stories that effect change and connect people of diverse backgrounds.”

“I am an Asian American multimedia journalist who seeks to capture humanity through visuals and sound.”

“I am a Native American journalist who believes in distributing accurate information to educate, empower and further universal human rights. I am a backpack reporter with a strong background in covering Native American, environmental and business issues.”

“I’m a visionary, an entrepreneur, an activist, and a global citizen. I specialize in seeing the invisible — the hidden solutions, the unrealized opportunities — and making them a reality.”

September 1, 2009 · Filed Under Social media

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Look who’s back

It is a new semester. I have decided to rejoin the social media sphere (at least on a professional level) again. I am teaching online media this semester. If you would like to view my syllabus, please do. I break the semester into three parts: social media, visual communication and site creation. Feedback is always welcomed.

Also, Dave Stanton shared his syllabus with me. It is definitely worth a visit.

September 1, 2009 · Filed Under Blogs, Journalism, Photo, Slideshow, Social media, Teaching, Video

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