Hipster Learning Cindy Royal, Ph.D. School of Journalism and Mass Communication Texas State University cindyroyal.com Find this presentation at slideshare.net/cindyroyal

Hipster Learning Driven by technological advances, the media environment continues to experience rapid change Students have to learn current concepts, but also must be prepared to grasp new ideas and apply them in their workplaces Today's students are preparing for jobs that don't exist yet, and graduates are expected to be immediately productive in defining and shaping these new roles. Social media editors Community managers Programmer/developer roles in communication companies

Maira Garcia Statesman, Social Media Editor Now Web Producer at The New York Times Undergrad and Grad at TXST Jackie Baylon Digital First Media, NYC, News Producer Undergrad TXST

Shannon Delaney Digital Marketing Coordinator, MOSAK Advertising and Insights Grad at TXST Josh Shepherd Interactive Manager and Strategist, MOSAK Advertising and Insights Grad at TXST

Jordan Viator Slabaugh Interactive Communications Manager, Spredfast Previously, Director of Social Media, Convio Undergrad and Grad at TXST Andrew Waldrup Social Support, Spredfast Previously Culture Evangelist at Gowalla Undergrad TXST

Nicole Martinez Social Media Specialist, HomeAway Grad at TXST Mairin Heard Social Media Specialist, HomeAway Undergrad and Grad TXST

Ashley Hebler Junior Front-End Web Developer, Volusion Grad at TXST Doug Seliger Junior Developer, Mason-Zimbler Undergrad & Grad at TXST

Haley Peck Front-end Web Developer, Blackbaud Undergrad at TXST Matt Slabaugh Interactive Designer, Sparksight Undergrad at TXST

Dee Kapila Digital Strategist/Technology Consultant, The University of Texas Grad at TXST Kristin McCasland Web and Social Media Editor, Rice University Undergrad and Grad TXST

Sarah Garcia SXSW, Interactive Programming Coordinator Undergrad and Grad TXST Andrew McNeill SXSW, Festival Coordinator Also Staff Writer, 48 Min of Hell blog Undergrad TXST

Questions How can you best prepare to work in an environment that requires flexibility and innovation? How should you develop a mindset for learning rather than an emphasis on specific tool training or a particular skill set? How can anyone apply this model throughout a career?

Realities Computers will be a part of most any career you choose. Social media is not just something you do for fun. People will get information in a variety of embedded and atmospheric ways. Data, data everywhere. Game dynamics will inform storytelling. Things change. Rapidly.

General Curriculum Approach Courses cover the realm of conceptual/theoretical to basic skills to advanced tech Balance emphasis on communication, design and development in projects Engagement with social media; blogs, Twitter, Facebook… Attention to current events in tech Focus on judgment, problem-solving and troubleshooting A digital media emphasis: centers, projects, events Faculty development Professional community ties

Experience Learning SXTXState.com TXStateofChange.com

Alumni Connections

Make Things Strong online portfolio Start a blog Learn to shoot and edit video and audio Take things to the next level Promote work on social media Make it easy for someone to contact you

Network! Both online and offline Develop a professional social presence; positive, interesting, passionate Connect with professionals Attend meetups

Stay up-to-date Read blogs and tech publications Try out new platforms Do tutorials Pay attention

How Employers Deal What are employers looking for? Flexible Problem-solving Self-starter Curious about tech; ability to learn on one’s own Passionate about field as demonstrated on social media Creative side projects

Distance Education/Lifelong Learning Be prepared to learn throughout life Seek out online resources, YouTube tutorials, Lynda.com, CodeAcademy.com Free or inexpensive workshops in your area Talks at meetup groups Make friends with people who know things and can help you Seek an advanced degree Demonstrate what you have learned!

Thank You! Find this presentation at slideshare.net/cindyroyal

The following slides contain additional info on Texas State’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication Digital Media curriculum

Undergraduate Curriculum Fundamentals of Digital/Online Media – new core class Web Design and Publishing Multimedia Journalism Digital Storytelling

Graduate Curriculum Issues in New Media Online Media Design Advanced Online Media Content Management Systems