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March for Babies: The news release assignment and the successful event
I’ve learned that when it comes to writing assignments for Writing for Mass Communication, the best public relations practice assignments are based on actual community events — most often events sponsored by not-for-profit organizations. The students experience the first assignment of many public relations students in their volunteer and internship work — writing a news […]
Taking to the street for a good cause
Thousands joined the March for Babies in Gainesville on March 29, to raise funds for research and assisting infants and pregnant women. The walkers were only about a mile from finishing the 8.6-mile course at this point. Refreshments and prizes were distributed along the course. The tent in the background is aid station provided by the […]
Using an iTouch to read the news
One of the themes of today’s lecture was the role of technology in media jobs and the importance of students having technology skills to be competitive in today’s media job market. Before class, Megan and I talked about how she’s using her new iTouch — mainly for music and movies. I asked her if she’d […]
But how do I find another source?
A student stayed after lecture to talk with me about the story she is working on – complications from having wisdom teeth removed. The story assignment for that week’s lab requires at least three sources. She has two: an oral surgeon and a UF student who has had his wisdom teeth removed. “What I really […]
You mean, talk to them?
Students often are almost stunned when we tell them that we expect them to be interviewing people in person or on the phone. Today’s college students are in seemingly constant communication. Text messaging, talking on their cell phones, instant messaging, or contacting “friends” through Facebook. But when it comes to interviewing sources f2f (face to […]
Advice about getting published
So what advice did the panelists offer my students about getting published: – All said e-mail is the best approach for freelance writers to submit a story. Most preferred receiving the completed story. BlackListed prefers receiving a story idea rather than a story. Then an editor will let the writer know if the publication is […]
University of Florida Newsies, promoted as "Bridging the gap between Gainesville and the University of Florida," is hosted by The Gainesville Sun.
University of Florida Newsies, promoted as “Bridging the gap between Gainesville and the University of Florida,” is hosted by The Gainesville Sun.
The Independent Florida Alligator publishes weekdays and was the start of careers for many of Florida’s journalists.
The Independent Florida Alligator publishes weekdays and was the start of careers for many of Florida’s journalists.
Parental involvement in schools
“Tested” is filled with stories of the school year. Several of those stories involve the efforts of the principal and teachers to get the students’ parents involved. At the elementary school level, having parents assist in the classrooms or attend parent open house can translate to those parents being more aware of their children’s daily […]
Having students be prepared; helping students be prepared
One of the topics of discussion in today’s Journalism Department meeting was students who don’t have adequate writing skills when we get them in our classes. We spent a little time lamenting that some of the skills we think students should know (including a stronger command of grammar) aren’t being taught in the FCAT-driven curriculum. […]
Julie Dodd 