A Web of Ideas
Module 2, Activity 4.2 - Diversity in Web Journalism
Teacher Page
(student page for this lesson)

Introduction:

In this lesson, the students are responsible for researching and writing about the diversity in and nature of web journalism

Resources:

- list of links to read
- Checklist for self-assessment in (.doc) or (.rtf)

Activities:

Task One - Reporting on Reporters
The student page for this lesson includes a complete description of the assignment, guiding questions, a process and a self-assessment checklist. There is also a link to some internet resources that form a basis for initial research. Since the focus of the assignment is to reinforce the role of a reporter while learning the basics about the role of the on-line news, the focus is placed on both the process and the required content.

As a teacher, you play the role of the editor during the process of reporting. Encourage students to explain how they have chosen to focus the story and why they chose either feature or broadcast as their medium. The student page has a basic process and timeline that you may choose to have your students follow. If they do, it would be a good idea to remind students where they should be at the start of each class and check the work of those who typically fall behind. Since students tend to leave too little time for the final stages of the writing process, you may make a rough draft due part way through the process.

Since the topic focuses on the internet, it will be even easier than usual for students to become focused on the computer as the sole source of information. On the first or second day you may wish to have the class create a list of potential sources together and review why multiple forms of sources are essential in journalism.

Student process, however, should be basically the same regardless. A sample student checklist for reporting has been created. If used, students should refer to it periodically to ensure they are meeting all requirements and following the process steps.

When the assignment is completed, a teacher may wish to have the completed assessment handed in as well. If the students did tasks that were not reflected on the checklist, they might wish to record these tasks on the bottom or back of the page.

This activity is the starting point for the development of web pages. You might wish to read through the rest of the activity group so you have the scope of the assignment. Transforming a Feature for the Web also has an evaluation page that you should share with students now if you intend to use it for the project as a whole.