[…]A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.[…]…

So 1) basic experience 2) business training 3) intense immersion in the new media 4) hard work.

Those are what I see as the essential factors, each teachable in journalism departments.

This part in particular relates to my point about adaptability: “Recognize that not all, and probably not most, students will end up as entrepreneurs. But they will all come to appreciate two key elements of entrepreneurship. One is the notion of taking ownership of a process and outcome. The other, which may be the most important single thing students — of all kinds — need in this fast-changing world is an appreciation of ambiguity, and the ability to deal with it. This means reacting to changes around us, being flexible and swift when circumstances change. Ambiguity is not something to fear; it is part of our lives, and we need to embrace it.”

Carrie, I like that approach to your tech assignments. Having to learn as you go — to “fail” a bit along the way — can be very useful and meaningful than being “told” how to use the technology.

Donica, you make a great point: between skills-focused teaching and theory-focused research, we need something of a “middle way” — such as the R&D hubs you mentioned, or other projects that have an experimental, entrepreneurial flavor to them. With all the disruption around them, j-schools have a unique opportunity to lead out in policy discussions and practical guidance for news organizations of all sizes.

In terms of teaching, we could also expand our conceptions of what ‘counts’ as journalism, as noted by others in the comments. As Cindy points out, j-schools are about more than training. Teaching innovation, resourcefulness and creativity are key qualities for these times, as is the ability to focus, go deep and develop perspective on what can be a chaotic and flitting landscape.

I’m also glad to see this attention to j-schools and look forward to reading more of your insights. Thanks!

Can’t wait to read more from you on this :)

I couldn’t agree more on flexibility. One of the things I do in my courses is that often when introducing new tech for the first time, like Flip cameras, I send the students out for an assignment BEFORE I teach them much at all about how to use it. My goal is for them to learn to be fearless, resourceful, and flexible. I’m most concerned with their critical thinking skills but I want them to be able to quickly adapt to new things without freaking out, because who knows exactly what they will face when they graduate.

Here’s a few other thoughts I had on the subject: http://changingnewsroom.wordpress.com/2009/09/30/my-dare-to-dream-journalism-curriculum/

Cheers,
Carrie Brown-Smith
University of Memphis
@brizzyc