Re:The next generation of journalism students have no idea w...
by abrie on Sunday January 31, 2016 @03:36PM
(#11007937)
Interesting to learn that programming is being taught to writers. Perhaps it's a poor analogy, but the term Singer/Songwriter comes to mind when I imagine such a hybrid. Either one of the two component skills could earn a living; but the two together have greater potential for producing works of significance. Also, it reminds me of Scott Adams career advice[0], where he suggests being "good" at more than one thing.
[0] http://dilbertblog.typepad.com/the_dilbert_blog/2007/07/care...
I think having some experience in tech is going to be the norm alongside writing skills. My friend teaches at UNC and focuses on the tech side of things. Their students are learning JS, some Django (as of 2013, maybe something else now) and the basics of how the web works. I think understanding more of the medium might help prepare future journalists for what's common across the field.
However, coming from having worked at a newspaper, I don't think anything prepares them for the "rapid media creation and frantic consumption". It's amazing how ephemeral online media is yet how much effort still goes in to a lot of the content prep and presentation.