Suggestion

J-schools are still playing catch-up. How can we fix this?

This is for a Interactive in the category for a Beginner audience.

Two years ago I wrote that Canadian journalism schools should be teaching more entrepreneurial skills. We’re still not there yet. But really it’s systemic of a wider issue in higher journalism education: how can universities be learning labs for digital innovation with a largely tenured faculty, sometimes decades removed from practicing the craft?

If journalism educators are serious about reforming and adapting the curriculum to keep up with technology, students need to play a larger role in the decision making. Education is a constant conversation, and curriculum development should be no different. There’s been a lot of talk lately about diversity in newsrooms. It’s time we start to have a talk about diversity of voices on a syllabus.

The plan by the International Center for Journalists to send professors back into the newsroom is one solution. But what if no budget for a program like this exists? What can schools do in the short-term? Let’s continue the search for answers by bringing together students, journalists and educators to brainstorm solutions.

How does your submission contribute to the diversity of the conference?

I am Canadian, and am just graduating from j-school in June.

What will your audience have gained by the time your session is over?

Suggested Speakers

Arik Ligeti | @arikligeti

Raju Narisetti | @raju

Gary Kebbel | @garykebbel

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