Blogs & Journalism: Teacher Information

This WebQuest is designed for college-level journalism students, but it could also be used with junior and seniors in high school. The purpose of the WebQuest is to get students thinking about the following:

1. Their own concepts of the journalism industry and journalists themselves.

2. How the Web and journalism are working together and, in some cases, working against each other.

3. What are the pros and cons of blogs?

4. What is the role of the editorial process in Web journalism?

5. Is there a use for blogs in journalism?

6. Their own methods for articulating their opinions quicky and effectively.

There is no "right" answer to this WebQuest. Rather, the primary goal centers on guiding students along a structural thought process so they can reach their own conclusions. This same structure can be applied to a variety of newsroom situations, including ethical debates and editorial decisions.

A second goal is to get students thinking about an important topic in the journalism industry: the meshing of new media and traditional media. Students with new media experience will be able to participate in newsroom discussions and offer vital viewpoints.

And finally, the new media experience students receive through this WebQuest will expose them to alternative methods of publishing and new creative outlets, both of which could lead to a variety of journalistic opportunities.


Frameworks Information

This WebQuest covers the following elements of the Massachusetts Frameworks:

• 1.53 Know how to select and use search engines. Understand the differences between search engines.

• 1.59 Idenitify capabilities of technology resources and understand how they can be used for lifelong learning.

• 1.60 Select the appropriate technology tool for a task.

• 2.16 Identify ways in which technology is used in the workplace and in society.

• 2.19 Explain how to evaluate electronic sources of information.

• 3.14 Routinely evaluate Web sites for authenticity when using them.