Category Archives: To-Do List

To-Do List #13

To-Do List

Infodemic Project

  • By beginning of class Wednesday, preview posts with associated graphics, videos, and photos,  must be ready for me to review. These should be finalized as if you are publishing them right now.
  • Social media templates are now in Canva.
  • A video template is in the Social Media folder in our shared Google Drive. (There’s a cool Infodemic video zinger in there)
  • In the master budget, you will now see links to stories that are complete and to the associated visuals. Focus on creating preview posts for these.
  • Remember the audience on all platforms is hearing about this for the first time, so periodically explain what the project is about and when the site will launch. This is a months-long reporting project involving nearly two dozens reporters, so play that up.

Due by end of class, Wednesday, April 26

By the end of class, upload the story submission document to Blackboard. 

Multimedia Story #5

All of these items will be published together on your website. In my feedback to you, I will let you know if you should publish on NCC News as well.

  • 550-600 word story with mobile-friendly layout (subheadings, bullet points, key points, pull-quotes, etc.)
  • 2-3 images taken with a mobile device. Remember to caption all photos.
  • Video (1-1:30) produced using the iMovie mobile app and embedded in your story.

Continue reading To-Do List #13 →

To-Do List #12

To-Do List

Infodemic Project

  • Check Slack for updates.
  • This week, we need to focus on finalizing preview posts and related visuals.
  • The graphics team is creating templates in Canva.
  • In the master budget, you will now see links to stories that are in draft form.
  • Remember the audience on all platforms is hearing about this for the first time, so periodically explain what the project is about and when the site will launch. This is a months-long reporting project involving nearly two dozens reporters, so play that up.

Due by end of class, Wednesday, April 12

By the end of class, upload the story submission document to Blackboard. 

Multimedia Story #4

All of these items will be published together on your website. In my feedback to you, I will let you know if you should publish on NCC News as well.

  • 550-600 word story with mobile-friendly layout (subheadings, bullet points, key points, pull-quotes, etc.)
  • 2-3 images taken with a mobile device. Remember to caption all photos.
  • Video (1-1:30) produced using the iMovie mobile app and embedded in your story.
Reporting Across Social Media
  • U-PICK: TikTok, anyone?! Choose two platforms to share as you report. Remember to optimize, optimize, optimize. You will be graded on how well you optimize your storytelling on the platform. Keep the social media optimization (SMO) tips in mind that we’ve discussed. Consider creating a SM graphic or “readable” video.

Through End of the Semester

  • Analytics: Visit your analytics, using the analytics worksheet as a guide. (Note: If you use Wix for your website, you have to install the app called Visitor Analytics.) You should jot down a few notes about your analytics once a week from now until the end of the semester.
  • Your analytics will be part of your end-of-the semester reflection due the final week of classes.

To-Do List #11

To-Do List

Due Midnight, Saturday, April 8

  • READ: Chapter 9: The Spread of Fake News
  • One blog post related to your beat.
  • The second post must focus on the topic of misinformation and disinformation. Address these questions:
    — How would you define fake news? Do you agree or disagree with the definitions included in the chapter?
    — What responsibility should tech companies assume in fighting the spread of disinformation and misinformation?
    — To what extent are they to blame for the proliferation of it?
    — How do we combat the issue? What role should journalists play in fighting fake news?
  • Share both blog entries to Twitter, professional Facebook page, and LinkedIn.

Infodemic Project

  • In the master budget, you will now see links to stories that are in draft form. Continue to draft posts that promote the launch of the Infodemic site. Remember the audience on all platforms is hearing about this for the first time, so periodically explain what the project is about and when the site will launch. This is a months-long reporting project involving nearly two dozens reporters, so play that up. The second week of April we will need to be ready to start scheduling these posts. That means copy, graphics, and other visuals will need to be finalized. The design team will make templates for us in Canva Pro that we can use to create our social graphics.

Due by end of class, Wednesday, April 12

By the end of class, upload the story submission document to Blackboard. 

Multimedia Story #4

All of these items will be published together on your website. In my feedback to you, I will let you know if you should publish on NCC News as well. Continue reading To-Do List #11 →

To-Do List #10

To-Do List

Infodemic Project

  • Continue to draft posts that promote the launch of the Infodemic site. Remember the audience on all platforms is hearing about this for the first time, so periodically explain what the project is about and when the site will launch. This is a months-long reporting project involving nearly two dozens reporters, so play that up. The second week of April we will need to be ready to start scheduling these posts. That means copy, graphics, and other visuals will need to be finalized. The design team will make templates for us in Canva Pro that we can use to create our social graphics.

Due by end of class, Wednesday, March 29

By the end of class, upload the story submission document to Blackboard. 

Multimedia Story #3

All of these items will be published together on your website. In my feedback to you, I will let you know if you should publish on NCC News as well.

  • 550-600 word story with mobile-friendly layout (subheadings, bullet points, key points, pull-quotes, etc.)
  • 2-3 images taken with a mobile device. Remember to caption all photos.
  • Video (1-1:30) produced using the iMovie mobile app and embedded in your story.
Reporting Across Social Media
  • Instagram Story: Produce an Instagram story while you’re reporting. The story must have a minimum of eight tappable elements. Keep in mind the best practices we reviewed in class and that are outlined in this guide and Chapter 5. How will you submit this to me? You can email me the file, or make your story a highlight on your IG page and email me the link.
  • U-Pick: Choose one other social media platform to report across. Remember to optimize, optimize, optimize. You will be graded on how well you optimize your storytelling on the platform. Keep the social media optimization (SMO) tips in mind that we’ve discussed (also outlined in Chapter 6).

Through End of the Semester

  • Analytics: Visit your analytics, using the analytics worksheet as a guide. (Note: If you use Wix for your website, you have to install the app called Visitor Analytics.) You should jot down a few notes about your analytics once a week from now until the end of the semester.
  • Your analytics will be part of your end-of-the semester reflection due the final week of classes.

To-Do List #9

To-Do List

Due by end of class, Wednesday, March 29

By the end of class, upload the story submission document to Blackboard. 
Multimedia Story #3
All of these items will be published together on your website. In my feedback to you, I will let you know if you should publish on NCC News as well.
  • 550-600 word story with mobile-friendly layout (subheadings, bullet points, key points, pull-quotes, etc.)
  • 2-3 images taken with a mobile device. Remember to caption all photos.
  • Video (1-1:30) produced using the iMovie mobile app and embedded in your story.
Reporting Across Social Media
  • Instagram Story: Produce an Instagram story while you’re reporting. The story must have a minimum of eight tappable elements. Keep in mind the best practices we reviewed in class and that are outlined in this guide and Chapter 5. How will you submit this to me? You can email me the file, or make your story a highlight on your IG page and email me the link.
  • U-Pick: Choose one other social media platform to report across. Remember to optimize, optimize, optimize. You will be graded on how well you optimize your storytelling on the platform. Keep the social media optimization (SMO) tips in mind that we’ve discussed (also outlined in Chapter 6).

Through End of Semester

  • Analytics: Visit your analytics, using the analytics worksheet as a guide. (Note: If you use Wix for your website, you have to install the app called Visitor Analytics.) You should jot down a few notes about your analytics once a week from now until the end of the semester.
  • Your analytics will be part of your end-of-the semester reflection due the final week of classes.

To-Do List #8

To-Do List

**During spring break, I’ll review your website and social media platforms. I place feedback in the Grade Center on Blackboard.**

For Wednesday, March 8

Through End of Semester

  • Analytics: Visit your analytics, using the analytics worksheet as a guide. (Note: If you use Wix for your website, you have to install the app called Visitor Analytics.) You should jot down a few notes about your analytics once a week from now until the end of the semester.
  • Your analytics will be part of your end-of-the semester reflection due the final week of classes.

By Midnight Saturday, March 12

  • Blogging your beat: Two posts related to your beat. Share both blog entries via Twitter, your professional FB page, and LinkedIn. Think of how you can optimize these posts.
  • Tweeting your beat: Tweet about your beat. This can include retweets, but I recommend providing context when you re-tweet something. You should be re-tweeting, replying , and using hashtags on a regular basis—important for engagement. You do not have to use #NewhouseMoJo for these items. Don’t forget to check your beat-related Twitter list!

To-Do List #7

To-Do List

**Take time this week to review all elements in the Infodemic section of Blackboard. Be certain you get a sense of what the reporters are covering and how social media was used in past projects.**

Due by end of class, Wednesday, March 1

By the end of class, upload the story submission document to Blackboard. 

Multimedia Story #2

All of these items will be published together on your website. In my feedback to you, I will let you know if you should publish on NCC News as well.

  • 550-600 word story with mobile-friendly layout (subheadings, bullet points, key points, pull-quotes, etc.)
  • 2-3 images taken with a mobile device. Remember to caption all photos.
  • Video (1-1:30) produced using the iMovie mobile app and embedded in your story.
Reporting Across Social Media

These items must be spread out during the reporting process: share as you go. You should have a social media game plan for every story before heading out the door. Below are the items you’re required to share while producing your first story. Remember, posts should be social media optimized. For example, they’ll  include @mentions, hashtags, tags, and visuals — items that lead to increased engagement. Also, it’s a good idea to periodically mention you’re covering the story for NCC News  by @mentioning in posts.

  • At least four tweets (which include the items below). Give your audience meaningful info: use quotes from sources, ask a question about the story, provide a behind-the-scenes look. Don’t simply write, “here’s a tease of my story” or “package coming soon.” This is newsroom jargon and doesn’t engage our audiences. Remember to optimize those tweets!
  • A “readable” social media video produced with the Adobe Spark Video app. Share to Twitter and your professional Facebook page. Keep this around :30 seconds.
  • At least one social media graphic produced with Adobe Spark Post or Canva. Share to Twitter and your professional Facebook page.
  • Create a Wakelet with the items mentioned above.

To-Do List #6

To-Do List

For Monday, Feb. 20

  • Three story ideas: We’ll have our next pitch session during class. Remember that at least two out of your four stories this semester must be beat related.
  • Readings: Chapter 6: Writing Mobile-Friendly Web Stories

By Midnight Saturday, Feb. 25

  • Blogging your beat: Two posts related to your beat. Share both blog entries via Twitter, your professional FB page, and LinkedIn. Think of how you can optimize these posts.
  • Tweeting your beat: Tweet about your beat. This can include retweets, but I recommend providing context when you re-tweet something. You should be re-tweeting, replying , and using hashtags on a regular basis—important for engagement. You do not have to use #NewhouseMoJo for these items. Don’t forget to check your beat-related Twitter list! Also, I recommend building your “following” by routinely following others who will provide you with valuable content and by sharing as well as liking their content. (Tips from NPR: Get a Twitter habit: 5 things to do every day until it sticks)

Continue reading To-Do List #6 →

To-Do List #5

To-Do List

Due by end of class Wednesday

Upload the story submission document to the Assignment section of our Blackboard page. View grading criteria.

Multimedia Story #1

All of these items will be published together on your website by the end of class Wednesday. In my feedback to you, I will let you know if you should publish on NCC News as well. Whenever you post to NCC News, follow the instructions for posting to the website (details to come). We’ll review these details in class.

  • 600 word story with mobile-friendly layout.
  • 2-3 images taken with your mobile device. Remember to caption all photos.
  • Video (1-1:30) produced using the iMovie mobile app. Upload the finished video to your YouTube channel and then embedded in your story.

Continue reading To-Do List #5 →