APG5355 - Journalism and technology - 2019

The journalism and media industries are currently undergoing rapid and profound changes due to technological innovation. These changes are affecting and challenging traditional journalistic business models, editorial content, newsgathering methods and audience access. New technology is leading to innovative and exciting ways to tell journalistic stories and report the news. But it is also creating challenges, including the rise of non-traditional media players, privacy concerns, and complex ethical and legal issues.

This unit is divided into two distinct sections: a research component and a journalism practice component. The research component will examine the broader implications of technological change in journalism and the media, including looking at advanced technology, shifting media power, and the ethical/legal challenges resulting from rapid change. The journalism practice component will give students an opportunity to produce new and innovative works of journalism using technology, apps and social media.

Upon successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

1. explain how shifts in technology are affecting local, national and international events relevant to current affairs, journalism, media and traditional power structures;
2. produce research work examining how technological changes are affecting and changing media industries;
3. gather and deliver real journalistic content using new technology, including mobile reporting, social media, interviewing, video, photography;
4. analyse the key ethical and legal issues and obligations associated with gathering and delivering content using new technology;
5. work independently and as part of a team to produce content to tight deadlines;
6. convey information in a clear, concise, factual and objective way using journalism and news conventions.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Journalism