About My Courses

Although this course moved online for the fall of 2020, my courses in the Philip Merrill College of Journalism have often deviated from the traditional model of lectures, PowerPoints, note-taking, and major written exams one typically finds in "face to face" classes.  

This "Scholarship In Practice" class blends course content with regular use of the latest technologies, social networks, Zoom, and mobile devices with Maryland's course management system, ELMS. The goals of my courses are for students to: (1) become more technologically literate beyond just texting and Facebook, (2)  collaborating virtually while gaining new skills and knowledge about audiences and audience analytis.

INFORMATION, TECHNOLOGY, VISUAL, MEDIA LITERACY

Digital information from an increasing number of sources and technologies is now available anywhere, any time. Your management of public and private information benefits from better technological, visual and media literacy. Accordingly, the objectives of these courses are to: (1) enhance your knowledge and use of digital technologies to research, produce and exchange different types of information, (2) compare and contrast newer technologies with traditional media, and (3) evaluate and respond to the social, psychological, political and privacy issues we face.

This course explores the needs, behaviors, and future trends for different types of digital users as they seek, select, and share information. At the same time, we look into the future for what will surely become a more complicated and demanding digital world for journalism.

TECHNOLOGY WELCOMED AND UTILIZED

Laptops, phones, social media and multiple apps are used and supported.

EXAMS 
Instead of traditional cumulative written or essay exams, most of the credit in these courses is earned by completing several assignments.   Students are expected to complete  assignments on time and regularly compose original, clear, accurate, evidence-based content instead of having to take a "final exam."  This requires engagement with the class starting in week one.  

For more info, contact:

Ronald Yaros, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Philip Merrill College of Journalism

College of Information Science

University of Maryland

Student eMAIL:            profyaros@me.com

TWITTER:      prof_yaros (courses) and ryaros (research)

RESEARCH LAB:  mediaengagementlab.org

COLLEGE:      www.journalism.umd.edu/