College journalism program teams up with other schools
Lethbridge College and 11 other journalism schools from across Canada are joining forces to strengthen journalism education by creating a new organization called JSchools Canada/EcolesJ.
The group acknowledges that journalism faces a range of threats around the world, and the agreement will allow the parter institutions to share best teaching practices and knowledge to help bolster the quality of journalism education in Canada. Students and instructors in Lethbridge College’s Digital Communications and Media program will be able to gain additional access to resources and opportunities to share ideas.
“This elevates our program by putting us on par with some of the best journalism schools in Canada,” says Kris Hodgson, chair of LC’s School of Media and Design. “This will allow us to look at educational best practices, different tactics that are being used in the classroom to speak about the evolution of the industry, and how students can evolve their craft to meet the demands of this quickly evolving market.”
The organization will also be operating as the official publishing body responsible for J-Source, a website designed to promote a national discussion about journalism and to act as a source for news, commentary, research, resources and advice. Students at Lethbridge College will potentially be able to have the opportunity to have their work published on a national platform.
“It’s really exciting that our students will have a chance to gain a national level of exposure,” says Hodgson. “It’s also a chance to look at the challenges within the industry and how information platforms are shifting as well as to strive for the excellence that is needed within our field.”
J-Schools Canada/EcolesJ is administered by Carelton University’s journalism program, and is the Canadian affiliate of the World Journalism Education Council (WJEC). The WJEC represents international academic associations involved in post-secondary journalism, and provides a common space for global educators to focus on issues in the field.
Membership to the association is open to all post-secondary journalism programs in Canada, and members include the University of British Columbia, British Columbia Institute of Technology, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Lethbridge College, Mount Royal University, University of Regina, Wilfrid Laurier University, Ryerson University, Algonquin College, Carleton University, University of King’s College and College of the North Atlantic.
The Digital Communications and Media program at Lethbridge College is a twoyear diploma that reflects on the evolution of the industry by incorporating cuttingedge industry trends and the trends, equipment, technology and tools into the classroom to ensure education remains relevant into the future. Many graduates from the program go on to careers in traditional media, such as newspaper, television, web and radio reporters, as well as emerging careers as bloggers, freelance video journalists and social media specialists.
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