Multimedia Tools

            Every individual learns and observes information best in a different way. Some are visual learners, some are literary learners, and some (I speak from first-hand knowledge) learn best when they are hand’s on.  Therefore, there is not one best way of portraying a message to a mass audience – no matter what that message is.  The modern media messenger, with a plethora of resources at his fingertips, should utilize the variety of mediums through which his message can be shared. 

            Research is constantly being conducted to discover how people learn most effectively.  Studies have found that differing styles of learning will not only help the gaining of knowledge for a specific individual but it will aid in the ability to remember and put to practice new ideas.  Pacific Resources for Education and Learning organization claims that using multimedia tools to teach ESL students has proven highly successful. “Storytelling through drama and computer-based multimedia authoring present English for second language learners (ESLLs) with engaging opportunities to develop concurrently basic skills in language arts and higher order thinking skills.”  By combining dramatic interpretations, interactive computer games, and written story lines, this organization has found their best results for teaching a variety of learners. 

            Fox25 News has a very effective website that provides links and photos for viewers to access new bits of information.  Interactive weather maps, daily trending audience voting polls and video links are only a few of the ways of engagement.  There are also social media icons that provide users with access to communication via E-mail, Twitter, Facebook, RSS, and Mobile text messaging for more convenient ways to stay up to date on the news. 

            It’s important as a media communicator to engage the target audience in multiple means of communication. Many bloggers and online news sites has found the most user “hits” off of YouTube-linked videos, PowerPoints or Podcasts, none of which are the usual form of written news reporting. However, for the traditional news observer, they will look only for the written word.  Therefore, it is highly important for a media messenger to send the message across different platforms, engaging with the target audience in the most effective and memorable way possible. 

            Home. (n.d.). - Boston News, Weather, Sports. Retrieved May 26, 2014, from http://www.myfoxboston.com

            Multimedia Tools. (n.d.). Educational Technology Resources -. Retrieved May 26, 2014, from https://aartechresources.wikispaces.com/Multimedia+Tools

            Telling Stories: ESL Strategies Main Page. (n.d.). Telling Stories: ESL Strategies Main Page. Retrieved May 26, 2014, from http://www.prel.org/eslstrategies/

Best Practices for Blogging

Lara White has created a blog entitled, PhotoMint: The Business of Photography.  This photography business of her’s has become very successful in large part due to her online blog.  What makes this blog an intriguing and highly viewed site is her attention to create an outlet for viewers to learn and engage in her blogs.  For instance, one of her blog posts, entitled, “3 Steps to Rocking Your Portrait Sales,” is succinct, detailed and attractive to the eye.  She includes proficient detailed information and advice in a short, to-the-point style of writing in her step-by-step teaching style.  Photos highlight each step of the process, proving to her audience that she is talented and experienced at the word in which she conveys to her readers.  She establishes viability in her posts through the rest of her website as well.

What makes this blog a successful one is the fact that White has given her viewers an avenue to learn from her work and experience her work for themselves. She promotes her company and photography through this online blog and website, featuring her best work while showing her audience that she cares about their interests and desires as well. Her blogs include links to other resources for photography, including equipment and networking opportunities.  White has targeted an audience that would be interested in her blog and products and has found best practice to make sure that this is a well-functioning and effective blog. 

            White, L. (2013, March 31). 3 Steps to Rocking Your Portrait Sales. PhotoMint RSS. Retrieved May 19, 2014, from http://www.photomint.com/photography-marketing/3-steps-to-rocking-your-portrait-sales/

Press Release

For Immediate Release:

Contact:

Rebecca Kearney

Southern New Hampshire University

r.kearney1@snhu.edu

603-637-9015

                                               Controversy over Joe Paterno’s Death

Manchester, NH, 05-12-2014 False news reports bombarded the media on January 21^st, 2012, highlighting the death of former Penn State Coach Joe Paterno.  These reports spread like wildfire throughout the media; however, Paterno did not die until the following day, January 22^nd, at 9:25am. The premature reporting is not the first incidence that has happened concerning media figures; news reporters seem to be too eager to expose the truth before validating the veracity of the situation.

Paterno had been let go from his football coaching position after the 2011 season with Penn State.  His health was failing due to his diagnosed lung cancer, however, it was reported that this form of cancer was treatable.   When news correspondents featured a headline reporting that Paterno had died on Saturday, the rest of the media world jumped on board.  This was considered by some to be “death by media.” The question then stands, did the media hype cause the death of the highly revered former head coach?

This is an important situation that cannot be ignored because the news distributors in our age have great power to not only report but cause events to happen.  If one man’s false death caused an upheaval such as this, there is room for so much more devastation to occur due to false reporting. It’s crucial that news reporters evaluate accuracy when distributing news and that media audiences determine the veracity of the source they are influenced by.

Southern New Hampshire University is a regionally accredited, non-profit  University, which offers every individual an affordable and high-quality education for their future career goals.  For over 80 years, SNHU has given individuals the chance to better their lives in a credible and professional way.  With an education through SNHU, individuals will be able to both distribute and evaluate valid information to the public through a variety of media outlets.  For more information, contact Rebecca Kearney at 888-378-0861 Ext. 8074.

-END-

Facebook Post:

Media distributors falsely portrayed Penn State’s former head football coach, Joe Paterno, to have died Saturday night. Many question now whether the death of the renowned coach, which occurred the following day, was caused by the media hype. Paterno is not the only celebrity to experience this speculated “death by media.” Media distribution’s methods have to change.

Social Media Outlets

I’ve never consistently had my own Twitter account and I’m not too familiar with it but I’m intrigued by the outlet. Many businesses and organizations use this media tool to target audiences and spread news and promotions to their users.  I’ve already found many interesting links, articles and users to “Follow” through this site!  Here is a link to my account:https://twitter.com/rkearney15

Facebook is a networking site that is used for a variety of purposes: family and friend connections, media viewership and advertising for businesses.  I am adding to my profile to better my own career in the writing field. I’m learning how to best incorporate my professional writing skills and tools to my personal profile so that I can be equated with the work that I do through media writing. https://www.facebook.com/NewEnglandsBest15

Blogs are highly successful tools for networking with clients, businesses and target audiences. I have never used a Tumblr blog account before but I am now incorporating this into my repertoire of media outlets.  I am amazed that so many individuals and companies are using this platform, I am not too familiar with it but I’m excited to learn more!

https://www.tumblr.com/dashboard