MDIA 3328 - Reporting Across Digital Media Platforms

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

This course helps students develop the essential skills required to produce text and audio-visual content that can be seamlessly moved between print, online and mobile media. The course also examines how new digital technologies are transforming journalism through new types of data analysis and research capabilities. Taught using the Media computer labs, students will be able to operate in an industry that expects journalists to multi-task and be comfortable using an array of technologies and information to tell their stories.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MDIA 3328
    Course Reporting Across Digital Media Platforms
    Coordinating Unit Media
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact 3 hours per week
    Prerequisites 12 units of Level I Humanities and Social Science courses or equivalent
    Restrictions Available only to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Media with Journalism major
    Assessment On-line tests, short form answers to questions based on case studies or other problem-based scenarios, written assignments
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr John Budarick

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Understand news values to identify appropriate story content for reporting
    2 Utilise a range of digital and mobile audio-visual technologies to produce reporting content
    3 Use appropriate methods to research news stories, including the use of new forms of data analysis
    4 Work effectively individually or in teams to produce high-quality news reporting
    5 Be able to consistently meet production deadlines while maintaining high journalistic standards
    6 Understand the need for professional ethics in journalism and apply these in practice
    7 Be capable of adapting to a rapidly changing technological and professional journalism industry environment
    8
    9
    10
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2, 3
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 3
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 2, 3
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 4
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 2
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 7
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 5
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 6
  • Learning Resources
    Recommended Resources
    Information on recommended learning resources will be provided through MyUni.
    Online Learning
    This course makes extensive use of MyUni and some external websites. Some lecture content may be provided online through MyUni. Assignment submission is generally through MyUni.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Most lectures for this course will be delivered face-to-face, and will also be recorded using the MyMedia system. Lecture recordings will be automatically loaded to MyMedia after delivery.

    Some lecture material may be provided online through MyUni.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A guide to workload for this course is:

    • Lecture attendance: 1 hour per week
    • Workshop attendance: 2 hours per week
    • Workshop preparation: 3 hours per week
    • Assignment preparation: 3 hours per week
    This is an approximation of the likely time required in an average week to complete all elements of the course. Actual workload is likely to vary depending on assignment deadlines.

    Students are expected to attend workshops having completed any required preparatory exercises.
    Learning Activities Summary
    A detailed schedule of course learning activities will be posted on MyUni.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment in this course will incorporate a combination of applied journalism work, online quizzes and written assignments that demonstrative achievement of course learning outcomes.
    Assessment Detail
    Information about assignments will be provided through MyUni and in lectures and workshops.
    Submission
    Assignment should be submitted through MyUni wherever possible.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.