In January, 2008, 18 students were selected for the first SMPA Online Journalism Workshop. The course answers needs created by a rapidly-changing journalism universe in which old methods of delivering the news are in decline and the internet is becoming the replacement platform for keeping people informed about events near and far.

The students in SMPA 132 learned how to report and produce multimedia news stories and then present them in arresting ways sure to draw readers and viewers. The six stories that appear to the right are the product of that work. The intent was to take advantage of the new methods of storytelling while maintaining journalistic integrity.

Students, divided into three-person teams, learned how to work together as reporters, producers, graphic specialists and web designers.

The course was taught by Michael Shanahan, assistant professor of journalism in SMPA; and Jason Osder, an adjunct assistant professor in the school. We hope you enjoy the stories which are the proud property of the students who produced them.

A number of students also elected to create personal portfolio pages as part of this class. These are linked from their names.

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