J298 Reporting Using Mobile Devices

This class has been cancelled. It may be offered in the Spring.

This class is an experiment to see how far journalists can go only using their wits, drive and the smartphone in their pocket.

Students will decide on a topic and go out into the community to report on stories using a smartphone. Videos, photos, audio - and yes, even text - will all be produced on smartphones.

A special page will be setup on one of the hyperlocal sites to house stories produced in this class. Students will put together a report explaining the summary of the project, the mobile applications used, problems encountered, and impediments that may exist for producing content on mobile devices that app developers can address.

In addition to the reporting project, the class will also include a study into how mobile devices are transforming the news industry. The class will look into ways journalists can produce content specifically for consumption on these devices. This may include interactive storytelling, citizen generated content, using SMS services for crowdsourcing or any number of other techniques discovered over the semester.

People from YouTube have contacted the instructors about partnering with the class in producing videos for a new citizen journalism initiative. Details to come.

PLEASE NOTE: CLASSES BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 15, AFTER THE BOOT CAMPS.
See the prerequisites.

Restrictions and Prerequisites: Class begins the fourth week of classes on September 15. Students are required to own - with a service contract - an Apple iPhone or an Android-based device. Unfortunately, at this time we cannot provide smartphones or service plans. iTunes gift cards may be provided for the the purchase of apps, but it is unseen at this point. This is a multimedia focused class, and space is limited. Students should be versed in video, photo, and audio. Please note: Due to the lack of a camera, iPod Touch devices will not suffice for this class. (Contingent on whether Apple release a new iPod Touch with a camera in September, in which case this restriction may be lifted)