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Showing posts with label Kent State. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kent State. Show all posts
March 29, 2010
March 19, 2010
September 24, 2008
Kent State woos students through social networking sites
In a Web 2.0 environment where tech-savvy individuals consume every possible multimedia resource, universities are soon tapping into some of these resources to reach out their targeted audience.
With a large undergraduate population turning to numerous Web spaces, the need to communicate with this group through such sites has become a necessity. That’s the reason why Kent State launched its YouTube and Facebook pages recently.
Flo Cunningham, director of University Communications and Marketing, said such an effort is important as other universities have already begun using social networking sites.
“This is about connecting people,” she said.
The university’s UCM made the recommendations to use social networking sites as the Web is increasingly becoming the main source to obtain information. While the YouTube videos present the university’s academics and facilities, the Facebook pages have photo albums, announcements of upcoming events, stories from KentNewsNet.com through RSS feeds. UCM hopes that this will “allow future and current students to feel more connected to the school.”
comScore.com reported a surge in Facebook use last year with the maximum use from the age group of 18-24 years when it opened to addresses other than the .edu accounts. This college-going population use numerous sites that UCM plans to incorporate.
Lin Danes, electronic communication and Web content manager, believes that this initiative will also attract potential students though this is not used as a marketing tool.
“We don’t see this much as a recruitment tool so much than as an engagement tool,” she said.
Why social networking?
Many students who use such social networking sites see this as an opportunity to meet their peers and associate with their interests groups in the virtual world.
As a freshman Nick Allison, 18, Spanish major, joined Kent State’s network to find people he could go out with as he did not know anyone in the campus.
“Facebook helped me a lot. I met my best friend through Facebook,” he said.
Allison is a fan of Kent State’s page, but is unaware of the YouTube page.
Many students are unaware that these pages exist. The UCM has taken an integrated marketing plan to make these sites popular. Manager Danes said that if the UCM’s media team picked up something interesting, chances are that it will appear in the homepage, online magazine, and print magazine. There is an effort to tie these contents into the social media sites.
The social media ratings and report services, developerAnalytics, says more than 128 million people use Facebook in nearly 60,000 networks. Kent State network has more than 36,000 unique users including alums and part-time students. The university’s Facebook page is registering an average of 70 fans per week. The largest university in the state, Ohio State, has the highest number of fans with more than 10,500 people joining the page since its launch in December 2007. However, it has not enabled the Wall for comments much like the Ohio University.
University authorities seem very cautious at what type of contents to allow on such pages. Despite its large fan base, officials at Ohio State believe that they might not have enough control over the messages.
The cost of maintaining these pages is another factor why the university is reluctant to activate the Wall for more interactivity.
Ted Hattemer, director of New Media at Ohio State said, “At present we don’t have the resources to maintain social media sites.”
Like Bowling Green State University, even at Kent State, only content administrators have the option to post photos and videos as a separate unit of staff has not been assigned to manage the social networking site. Danes, who also moderates the Wall, hopes people will “respect the space.” The privilege to post also comes with a warning that comments will be edited for “profanity.” Since it’s too early to determine how people will abuse these pages, parameters on content management have not been formulated.
The university had banned the use of Facebook profiles in the past. Student-athletes were asked to withdraw their profiles in June 2006 as the university felt it compromised the university’s image.
UCM’s future plans
Corinne Galvan, 18, undecided major freshman, says there should be interactive features to visit these sites. Though she has been using Facebook for two years now, she was unaware of the university’s page. She believes the pages should have videos and pictures that reflect what it is to be like a student at Kent State.
“I’d like to see videos about campus life outside of the classroom,” she said after watching some of the YouTube videos and becoming a fan.
As the pages are template driven, manager Danes feels that the contents they produce should be more appealing than the page itself. All contents on YouTube and Facebook are now produced by UCM’s media team with some student support. Prior to launching these pages, UCM relied on its past research with high school students on what kind of contents appeal them, but the viability of social media pages have not been tested. Usability testing on social media sites, using the resources of the university, is planned for Spring-2009. Until then, UCM will continue to add other social networking sites such as MySpace, Flickr, Twitter, Del.icio.us, Digg in an attempt to offer alternative platforms to both current students and non-students.
Danes said it may be too early to establish whether these sites actually help in the promotion of university and keep the student community vibrant on the Web space, but she is optimistic of the benefits.
“It’s very early in any kinds of return on investment with social media…but not trying getting into those niche areas would also be a pitfall,” she said.
With a large undergraduate population turning to numerous Web spaces, the need to communicate with this group through such sites has become a necessity. That’s the reason why Kent State launched its YouTube and Facebook pages recently.
Flo Cunningham, director of University Communications and Marketing, said such an effort is important as other universities have already begun using social networking sites.
“This is about connecting people,” she said.
The university’s UCM made the recommendations to use social networking sites as the Web is increasingly becoming the main source to obtain information. While the YouTube videos present the university’s academics and facilities, the Facebook pages have photo albums, announcements of upcoming events, stories from KentNewsNet.com through RSS feeds. UCM hopes that this will “allow future and current students to feel more connected to the school.”
comScore.com reported a surge in Facebook use last year with the maximum use from the age group of 18-24 years when it opened to addresses other than the .edu accounts. This college-going population use numerous sites that UCM plans to incorporate.
Lin Danes, electronic communication and Web content manager, believes that this initiative will also attract potential students though this is not used as a marketing tool.
“We don’t see this much as a recruitment tool so much than as an engagement tool,” she said.
Why social networking?
Many students who use such social networking sites see this as an opportunity to meet their peers and associate with their interests groups in the virtual world.
As a freshman Nick Allison, 18, Spanish major, joined Kent State’s network to find people he could go out with as he did not know anyone in the campus.
“Facebook helped me a lot. I met my best friend through Facebook,” he said.
Allison is a fan of Kent State’s page, but is unaware of the YouTube page.
Many students are unaware that these pages exist. The UCM has taken an integrated marketing plan to make these sites popular. Manager Danes said that if the UCM’s media team picked up something interesting, chances are that it will appear in the homepage, online magazine, and print magazine. There is an effort to tie these contents into the social media sites.
The social media ratings and report services, developerAnalytics, says more than 128 million people use Facebook in nearly 60,000 networks. Kent State network has more than 36,000 unique users including alums and part-time students. The university’s Facebook page is registering an average of 70 fans per week. The largest university in the state, Ohio State, has the highest number of fans with more than 10,500 people joining the page since its launch in December 2007. However, it has not enabled the Wall for comments much like the Ohio University.
University authorities seem very cautious at what type of contents to allow on such pages. Despite its large fan base, officials at Ohio State believe that they might not have enough control over the messages.
The cost of maintaining these pages is another factor why the university is reluctant to activate the Wall for more interactivity.
Ted Hattemer, director of New Media at Ohio State said, “At present we don’t have the resources to maintain social media sites.”
Like Bowling Green State University, even at Kent State, only content administrators have the option to post photos and videos as a separate unit of staff has not been assigned to manage the social networking site. Danes, who also moderates the Wall, hopes people will “respect the space.” The privilege to post also comes with a warning that comments will be edited for “profanity.” Since it’s too early to determine how people will abuse these pages, parameters on content management have not been formulated.
The university had banned the use of Facebook profiles in the past. Student-athletes were asked to withdraw their profiles in June 2006 as the university felt it compromised the university’s image.
UCM’s future plans
Corinne Galvan, 18, undecided major freshman, says there should be interactive features to visit these sites. Though she has been using Facebook for two years now, she was unaware of the university’s page. She believes the pages should have videos and pictures that reflect what it is to be like a student at Kent State.
“I’d like to see videos about campus life outside of the classroom,” she said after watching some of the YouTube videos and becoming a fan.
As the pages are template driven, manager Danes feels that the contents they produce should be more appealing than the page itself. All contents on YouTube and Facebook are now produced by UCM’s media team with some student support. Prior to launching these pages, UCM relied on its past research with high school students on what kind of contents appeal them, but the viability of social media pages have not been tested. Usability testing on social media sites, using the resources of the university, is planned for Spring-2009. Until then, UCM will continue to add other social networking sites such as MySpace, Flickr, Twitter, Del.icio.us, Digg in an attempt to offer alternative platforms to both current students and non-students.
Danes said it may be too early to establish whether these sites actually help in the promotion of university and keep the student community vibrant on the Web space, but she is optimistic of the benefits.
“It’s very early in any kinds of return on investment with social media…but not trying getting into those niche areas would also be a pitfall,” she said.
September 08, 2008
Broadcast Beat Reporting: Legacy
This "Legacy" was written for Gary Hanson's incoming class of Fall 08.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to this class! Relax and calm yourself. Because the soul of BBR settles only in a calm body. Did you just read ‘soul of BBR?’ Yes, you did! This class has a soul, a personality of its own that will become your part. And Gary will release bits of this soul into your life in a way a kangaroo rears its joey. Very soon, you will slip out of that BBR pouch and hop around on your own. Until then, stay in Gary’s pouch - fully protected, fully nourished as he shows you a glimpse of the broadcast world. He is the man who will teach you to stand just on your tail.
With a pack of legacy you also must have received a syllabus. Don’t be intimidated by its detail. You will get used to it eventually. But remember, the chunks of activities you see there are similar to the ways in which we compartmentalize our daily works. For this class the first thing you must learn is to chunk out your time for BBR so that you can fit other activities. Gary will tell you that you’ll spend at least 20 hours a week. In initial weeks, I spent 40!
Let me tell you three most important things you will need right from the start.
No. 1: Acquaint yourself with the basics of making a package. [A package is the actual story that you produce for TV2. You will find the story idea, write the script, do the shooting, and edit it. All by yourself!] Don’t be overwhelmed.
No. 2: Work on your script as much as you can.
No. 3: Learn to use your camera and practice getting stable shots.
As a reporter you are expected to know your beat well. Kent State has a lot of activities going around that you can cover. If you are short of any story ideas, ask one from a TV2 producer. Once you have the story, focus on how much information you can collect for your story. But remember, you may have wonderful stuff in your camera, but if you don’t use that, it means you didn’t have it. What comes out in the package is what matters.
[some parts deleted]
While covering your beats you will realize how difficult it is to get information. Keep the tape rolling and ask questions that you did not plan. If you planned three questions, ask ten. Get into conversation. That’s how you get good soundbites.
Sometimes you may have to follow up because you did not have the right shots. You may think why, after all, it’s a two-minute story. Why should you bother? No. it makes a difference. In broadcast, the right shot is called the ‘gold coin.’ If you have that, you made it.
When you do your Viewing Assignments, take notes. Observe carefully the packages produced by the giants. Identify the key production elements, like shots type, natural sound, and the use of those ‘gold coin’ moments. The earlier you can identify these elements, the sooner you will learn to use them.
Unlike print or radio, TV reporting depends mostly on visual support. For your package you must try to get as much visual cues as possible. This means that besides getting the interviews, you need b-rolls that speak for themselves. Shoot generic as well as specific stuff. Get a variety of shots. Wide, Medium, Close-up and very tight shots. This is a tough job. You will still learn to do this in a good way even when you are in your final packages. But as you work on your script, think of an audience who might be doing something else while keeping the TV switched on. Your script must have as much information for a person who cannot ‘watch’ the story without actually watching it.
Remember my kangaroo analogy at the beginning? As the joey dares to come out in the wild, the first thing it learns is to evade away from the enemies. Do you know what’s your biggest enemy in production? Shaky videos. A bad video is no video at all. Until you are absolutely stable without a tripod, always use it. Carry a bag that fits your camera and a tripod. If you are using a small camera (ZR800 Canon), you don’t need a heavy tripod.
Your survival also depends on getting the audio right. Toward the end of the semester we came to know about the concept of ‘Mic the dog.’ This means, if you want a good audio you need to have the mic as close and as always as possible.
As you critique your packages, see how successfully you have used these clues.
As a BBR student, you are automatically a TV2 reporter. Be proud that you are getting a chance to work for a station that has live newscasts. If you have any new ideas, you can have your own TV show. You will have a lot to learn while working for TV2.
This is great opportunity to work in a converged newsroom. Very soon you will realize you are working with a producer, videographer, graphics designer and others. Since the work you do will be used in the news, take this opportunity to do something that can be used in your own package. It may not always happen, but if you plan it out with your producer, it may work out. Get an opportunity to work either as a talent (people who do the newscasts) or as tech (people at the control room). That way you don’t just do the usual chores required by the course, but pick up skills in media in action.
You are in a great class with the most committed professor. Take advantage of it. Perhaps, one day you’ll learn to balance yourself on your tail like a kangaroo.
Good luck!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welcome to this class! Relax and calm yourself. Because the soul of BBR settles only in a calm body. Did you just read ‘soul of BBR?’ Yes, you did! This class has a soul, a personality of its own that will become your part. And Gary will release bits of this soul into your life in a way a kangaroo rears its joey. Very soon, you will slip out of that BBR pouch and hop around on your own. Until then, stay in Gary’s pouch - fully protected, fully nourished as he shows you a glimpse of the broadcast world. He is the man who will teach you to stand just on your tail.
With a pack of legacy you also must have received a syllabus. Don’t be intimidated by its detail. You will get used to it eventually. But remember, the chunks of activities you see there are similar to the ways in which we compartmentalize our daily works. For this class the first thing you must learn is to chunk out your time for BBR so that you can fit other activities. Gary will tell you that you’ll spend at least 20 hours a week. In initial weeks, I spent 40!
Let me tell you three most important things you will need right from the start.
No. 1: Acquaint yourself with the basics of making a package. [A package is the actual story that you produce for TV2. You will find the story idea, write the script, do the shooting, and edit it. All by yourself!] Don’t be overwhelmed.
No. 2: Work on your script as much as you can.
No. 3: Learn to use your camera and practice getting stable shots.
As a reporter you are expected to know your beat well. Kent State has a lot of activities going around that you can cover. If you are short of any story ideas, ask one from a TV2 producer. Once you have the story, focus on how much information you can collect for your story. But remember, you may have wonderful stuff in your camera, but if you don’t use that, it means you didn’t have it. What comes out in the package is what matters.
[some parts deleted]
While covering your beats you will realize how difficult it is to get information. Keep the tape rolling and ask questions that you did not plan. If you planned three questions, ask ten. Get into conversation. That’s how you get good soundbites.
Sometimes you may have to follow up because you did not have the right shots. You may think why, after all, it’s a two-minute story. Why should you bother? No. it makes a difference. In broadcast, the right shot is called the ‘gold coin.’ If you have that, you made it.
When you do your Viewing Assignments, take notes. Observe carefully the packages produced by the giants. Identify the key production elements, like shots type, natural sound, and the use of those ‘gold coin’ moments. The earlier you can identify these elements, the sooner you will learn to use them.
Unlike print or radio, TV reporting depends mostly on visual support. For your package you must try to get as much visual cues as possible. This means that besides getting the interviews, you need b-rolls that speak for themselves. Shoot generic as well as specific stuff. Get a variety of shots. Wide, Medium, Close-up and very tight shots. This is a tough job. You will still learn to do this in a good way even when you are in your final packages. But as you work on your script, think of an audience who might be doing something else while keeping the TV switched on. Your script must have as much information for a person who cannot ‘watch’ the story without actually watching it.
Remember my kangaroo analogy at the beginning? As the joey dares to come out in the wild, the first thing it learns is to evade away from the enemies. Do you know what’s your biggest enemy in production? Shaky videos. A bad video is no video at all. Until you are absolutely stable without a tripod, always use it. Carry a bag that fits your camera and a tripod. If you are using a small camera (ZR800 Canon), you don’t need a heavy tripod.
Your survival also depends on getting the audio right. Toward the end of the semester we came to know about the concept of ‘Mic the dog.’ This means, if you want a good audio you need to have the mic as close and as always as possible.
As you critique your packages, see how successfully you have used these clues.
As a BBR student, you are automatically a TV2 reporter. Be proud that you are getting a chance to work for a station that has live newscasts. If you have any new ideas, you can have your own TV show. You will have a lot to learn while working for TV2.
This is great opportunity to work in a converged newsroom. Very soon you will realize you are working with a producer, videographer, graphics designer and others. Since the work you do will be used in the news, take this opportunity to do something that can be used in your own package. It may not always happen, but if you plan it out with your producer, it may work out. Get an opportunity to work either as a talent (people who do the newscasts) or as tech (people at the control room). That way you don’t just do the usual chores required by the course, but pick up skills in media in action.
You are in a great class with the most committed professor. Take advantage of it. Perhaps, one day you’ll learn to balance yourself on your tail like a kangaroo.
Good luck!
October 11, 2007
How to beat the weather?
KENT – Nancy Syslo is reading a murder mystery this time of the year. After retiring as a police dispatcher, she has painted, mostly indoors and has spent the other few hours reading novels like The Rival Queens.
“I am waiting to be bundled up and bury in the books again,” she said, almost anticipating the not-far-away winter.
Cold weather is school-time for her. This time she plans to audit a class in Roman History at Kent State.
“There's nothing much you can do outside during winter,” she said.
One can already see the buckeyes shedding the yellow or red leaves, or the bottlebrush casting away its flowers. The National Weather Service forecasts a chilly Halloween.
But some are somewhat excited about the snow. Abdul Karem Ghazi, a master’s student from Yemen in first year nursing program, is thrilled by the dropping mercury.
“I have never seen snow in my life,” he said.
“I am just waiting to see white everywhere.”
“I am waiting to be bundled up and bury in the books again,” she said, almost anticipating the not-far-away winter.
Cold weather is school-time for her. This time she plans to audit a class in Roman History at Kent State.
“There's nothing much you can do outside during winter,” she said.
One can already see the buckeyes shedding the yellow or red leaves, or the bottlebrush casting away its flowers. The National Weather Service forecasts a chilly Halloween.
But some are somewhat excited about the snow. Abdul Karem Ghazi, a master’s student from Yemen in first year nursing program, is thrilled by the dropping mercury.
“I have never seen snow in my life,” he said.
“I am just waiting to see white everywhere.”
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