Synopsis
Over the course of the semester, I developed a deeper understanding of digital journalism and all the work that goes into it. I learned how to use tools that I had no prior experience with. My growth revolved around skills in creating visual representations of the information I presented. This experience taught me that digital journalism is about more than writing and delivering information, but about engaging an audience.
Developing the Project
My work on the story went from a topic that I felt was newsworthy into a more refined and purposeful product of important information. My initial thoughts and questions set a base from which to “seek truth and report it.” With the sensitivity of the topic I chose, I had to ensure that the voices I sought to amplify were not harmed by the information I disseminated. Accuracy and fairness were always at the forefront when using information that I gained from credible sources. I also made it a priority to avoid bias by digging for information that might refute my initial thoughts.
The main challenge I faced involved formatting and embedding information onto my website. I employed an ethical use of AI by asking how to make certain edits to my webpage. Fact gathering also presented its challenges. It required time and circling back to sources to clarify information. Learning to use applications such as Adobe Express to create visual representations made the process a bit more complex, but I was able to overcome my shortcomings. There were moments when interpreting data and organizing it for others to understand felt overwhelming.
I was presented with several opportunities that would lead to bettering my storytelling process. Sources were willing to point me in directions that allowed me to discover additional information. I had many opportunities to engage with digital tools to figure out how to best use them to enhance my story. These opportunities allowed me to experiment with different approaches to strengthen and communicate ideas creatively.
Digital Media Experience
This experience has significantly improved my understanding of digital journalism by showing me the different ways tools can be used to make a story more engaging. I learned how to use Google Sheets to organize and sift through data. Writing on a digital platform required me to think more carefully about how content connected to each other, ensuring that my work would effectively resonate with readers.
Working with data, databases was another important aspect of my learning. At first, it felt challenging, but over time I became more comfortable using these tools to support my story. I learned how to make my reporting more accurate and credible using the information that I found. It showed me how data can enhance a story by providing evidence rather than just serving as background information.
Creating my website and working with platforms like WordPress was both challenging and rewarding. I had to learn how to structure pages, format content, and ensure that everything was visually appealing and easy to navigate. While there was a learning curve, the process helped me understand the importance of user experience in digital journalism. It also reinforced the idea that presentation is just as important as content.
Some of the most enjoyable moments came from seeing my work come together into a complete project, which I honestly still think could use some work. Watching my story develop over time, from initial drafts to the final version on my website, was especially rewarding. I also enjoyed the creative aspects of designing the site and experimenting with different ways to present information. These moments made the entire process feel worthwhile, especially with the assistance and patience of my professor.