J school reflects on use of new requirement
Debate still centers on the relevance of the requirement.
Published Dec. 4, 2009
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A student uses an iPod touch to access the MU Web site Thursday. As of fall 2009, incoming journalism freshmen were required to purchase iPod touches or iPhones as a part of the School of Journalism curriculum.
The School of Journalism plans to continue its trial run of requiring freshman journalism students to have a Web-enabled audio-video player through next year's incoming freshman class, said Brian Brooks, associate dean for undergraduate studies at the school.
Brooks said there is still some confusion about the requirement in regard to iPod touches and iPhones.
"It is not a requirement for students to have an iTouch or an iPhone but rather a device with the ability to play video and audio files and access the Web," Brooks said.
Although the J School doesn't specify which brand of Web-enabled audio-video player is required, its Web site states the "requirement is best met by purchasing the Apple iPod touch."
Brooks said the new technology requirement has been successfully integrated into the Career Explorations in Journalism course, despite a shaky start to the semester.
"I think we bit off more than we could chew at the beginning of this semester, but everything's pretty much smooth now," Brooks said. "We had a lot of problems at the start of the semester getting students logged in, but we fixed them."
Professors implemented new curricula specifically for the Web-enabled audio-video players.
"We used an electronic textbook for the Journalism 1010 class and videos that could be viewed on the iTouch," Brooks said.
There are also additional videos available of guest lecturers that were not able to speak to the class due to the limited time of the course.
"The additional videos allow students who are interested in learning more about a specific journalism specialization to watch the videos easily and conveniently," Brooks said.
In addition to the electronic textbook and iTunes U videos, there is software being developed for the devices' use in classrooms.
"We're working on an app for the iTouch and iPhone that will help freshmen acclimate with MU that will help with the common questions most freshmen have when coming to college," Brooks said.
A map for students to navigate campus will be among its features.
The new technology requirement has caused mixed reactions from freshmen students taking the introductory journalism course.
Freshman Felicia Greiff said she was not happy with the new requirement and has yet to use it in her class.
"I think the iTouch is pointless for the class and it's just another way for MU to incorporate Apple into their system," Greiff said.
Freshman Elise Oggioni said she found the device useful but didn't think it should be a requirement.
"The best part to having the iTouch for the class was being able to see what we were doing from day to day," Oggioni said. "It was a really big help in preparing for the class."
Brooks said the administration might consider changing the requirement to fit changing technology.
"We are not sure about a long term commitment because of the pace that new technology is made available," Brooks said. "For example, there is a rumor that Apple is coming out with a new tablet in the new year."