Student reporters are learning the ropes of running an online newspaper through the integration of the school paper, OU Weekly, with Olivet College of Journalism courses.
A team of students meet regularly and direct the editorial content of the online publication. Students writing for the paper can receive credit for their coursework.
The online medium allows for real-time collaboration between on-campus and online journalism students in running the paper. Whereas reporters of traditional newsrooms would meet in person to discuss potential headlines, a new generation of reporters represented by Olivet College of Journalism program alumni and students is conducting most of their operations online from "digital news rooms."
OU Weekly participants also have access to technical support from Olivet's Research & Development unit. They can request minor programming or design work orders as they develop the newspaper.
"The online paper has been a great way to practice our reporting skills and learn how to manage contributors abroad," Emily Yu, one of the paper's student editors, shared.
OU Weekly was conceived and planned by OCJ students during an advanced editing class last semester. It was designed to serve as a bridge between faculty, staff and students.
Journalism students say they hope to make the paper public next semester.