Multimedia Journalism: JOUR 205, CRN 73203, Fall 2021
Instructor:
Jeff Nachtigal
Contact information
Email: jeffrey_nachtigal@cuesta.edu
Course Calendar
Sept. 7 — Dec. 17, 2021 (15-week course, all online)
Course Description
If you’re interested in learning how to tell a multimedia video story with images, audio and video, this is the course for you. This 3-credit course covers the fundamentals of multimedia reporting including capturing digital images, recording interviews, recording and editing news video stories, finding and developing stories, using social media to publish your work, and media literacy. And! What you want to learn. I’ll send a survey to everyone registered for this course in the first week to make sure I know what you want to learn about multimedia journalism!
In this course you can use your mobile phone’s camera, or a DSLR camera to record images, video and audio. You also need a computer and video editing software to complete story assignments (any video editing software is ok to use in this cours; you can "rent" Adobe Creative Cloud,Links to an external site. the best editing software on the market. Adobe is available to students for one semester at the student rate of $39)
Each week there will be assignments for you to practice the skills we’re learning in class, weekly discussion forums, reading assignments and short quizzes about the topics and reading we’re covering.
Instructor communication
The best and fastest way to reach me is by email. I will generally respond to your emails within 24 hours during weekdays. During busy times of the semester, the response time may increase to 48 hours. On weekends, I will do my best to get back to you ASAP but I cannot guarantee an expeditious response.
Course Environment
This online course will be using Canvas, Cuesta's Web-based Learning Management System. Canvas provides the framework for the course including the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. You can communicate using e-mail, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and groups.
First day of class / Accessing Canvas
Prior to the course start on Monday, Sept. 7, 2021, you will receive an email to your my.Cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class will be starting and log in procedures for Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) used to deliver course content. You can access Canvas by logging into MyCuesta, then clicking on the Resources Tab, then clicking on Canvas in the Online Learning Channel, or by typing the Canvas address into your browser address bar. Do not bookmark / favorite the canvas site after your login, or you will get an error message next time you try to log in. You must access the canvas log in directly.
If you are not familiar with logging into canvas, please refer to the Cuesta College Links to an external site.Canvas GuideLinks to an external site.. Once logged into Canvas you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the direction on the course home page.
If you are having difficulty logging into Canvas please email me by email, or email technical support at this email address: support@my.cuesta.edu.
Online Learning
This is an all-online course, but in practice it is the same amount of work and likely requires more participation than in other face-to-face classroom courses. We will not meet in person as a full class. This is not a self-paced course — there are due dates and deadlines three times per week.
In this course you will be producing audio, photo and video story assignments, including editing you'll be asked to use software to create and edit digital images, video and audio, and build infographics and visualization charts. I expect some of you will be challenged — and the way to stay on track and learn the fundamentals of multimedia production is to stick to it and stay up to date with assignments and discussions in this course.
I want you to succeed, and I will do everything I can to make this happen, as long as you stay on track completing assignments and communicating with the class.
The class has required assignments and three deadlines per week. In practice, an online course is the same as a classroom course. If you are unsure about whether an online course is right for you, please read (and watch the videos) these videosLinks to an external site. so you know how an online course works!
And, here's more information about distance educationLinks to an external site. courses to help you get familiar with taking an online course is published by The State of California’s Online Education Initiative (OEI).
Regular Effective Contact policy
Regular and Effective Instructor Contact will be met through weekly discussion forums; weekly announcements to students; timely and effective feedback on student assignments; email, phone or messaging to individuals; and virtual office hours.
Student Learning outcomes for Multimedia Journalism 205, CRN 73203 (Distance education):
Upon completing the course successfully, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to produce multimedia stories for online news sites.
- Describe and display the characteristics that make multimedia storytelling distinct from traditional journalism.
- Describe and display the characteristics of entrepreneurial journalism.
- Critically evaluate professional news multimedia stories.
Required Textbooks/Equipment
- Aim for the Heart, Third edition (2018), by Al Tompkins (required)
- Digital camera that records video (you can use your mobile phone)
- Digital audio recorder (you can use your mobile phone + app)
- Tripod and adapter that works with your mobile device or camera (required!)
- Video editing software. Video editing software is required in this course. If you already have/use a video editor, please plan to use it. You can use ANY video editing software you want, as long as you can export videos for publication.
Any of these are good options: iMovie, Adobe Elements or Premiere Pro, Sony Vegas, Final Cut Pro, Filmora, or Shotcut.
Most video editors offer a free 30 day trial, but you will need to use a video editor for most of the course. Here’s a recent story with a good list of video softwareLinks to an external site. options.
Adobe Creative Cloud software is the best software available, and students can buy a 6-month subscription for $39Links to an external site..
Technical Support
Cuesta students are encouraged to direct all technical support inquiries to support@my.cuesta.edu. If you are having issues with Canvas, you should contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680, or click on the help button on the Canvas Navigation to report a problem.
If you are having difficulty viewing the course or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct url: https://cuesta.instructure.com/ or you are using your phone or using an unsupported browser.
Your learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or Chrome. This may solve your problem! Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specificationsLinks to an external site.Links to an external site. at:
http://www.cuesta.edu/student/aboutacad/distance/faqs_technical.htmlLinks to an external site.Links to an external site.
Accommodations
This course is designed using an accessible Learning Management System, and course materials have been created with ADA compliance in mind. If you have a disability and might need accommodations in this class such as extended time on exams or other resources. Please contact the instructor as soon as possible so that you can receive appropriate accommodations in a timely manner. You should also contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services)Links to an external site.Links to an external site. at 805-546-3148 or http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/dsps/index.htmlLinks to an external site.Links to an external site.
College & Course Policies
Academic Honesty Policy: Violating copyright in this course is prohibited, and will be cause for immediate drop. In addition to my course policy, please note all students attending San Luis Obispo County Community College District at any district site and when representing Cuesta College in any off-campus activity, assume an obligation to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner compatible with the Student Code of conduct.
Add / Drop Policy
- I will send add codes and admit students on the third day of the course, if there is space available.
- Please log in to JOUR 205 in Canvas on the FIRST DAY of the course (Sept 23, 2019) and complete the first Discussion post with your bio and background by the third day of this course. Failure to complete the first assignment (or contact me with extenuating circumstances) by the end of the first week of the course may result in you being dropped.
Waitlist Policy
Please contact me for an add code if you are interested in adding this course. I will admit students on the third day of the course, if there is space available.
In addition to my course specific procedures, please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructions: http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/Waitlist.htmlLinks to an external site.Links to an external site.
icons at the top right corner of the subsection.