Two weeks ago, I asked the class, “How many of you have a blog.” About five did.

Today in lecture, I asked that same question. The photo shows the change in numbers. [If everyone had been paying attention during the question, everyone’s hand would be raised.] Thanks to Lauren Maki for climbing the stairs to the top of the auditorium to take this photo for me.

Last week’s lab assignment was to start a Tumblr blog and then use the blog to discuss their reporting and photography experiences in working on recent class assignments. Students have expressed concern about needing technology skills to be more competitive in getting media internships and blogs. Starting and now maintaining a blog is a great (and free) way to demonstrate technology skills.