ANDERSON UNIVERSITY
Writing for Digital Media
I completed these projects for a Writing for Digital Media course at Anderson University. Through these projects, I learned how to write effectively for online audiences through my work in a fictional news story, a feature article, and a blog styled review. In my feature article, I gained experience with interviewing a student and telling a story. In my blog styled review, I had the chance to review a local coffee shop and provide recommendations to my audience. In my fictional news story, I was able to playfully report on a fictional character and grew in my reporting skills.
These projects required thorough research, creative thinking, and careful attention to detail. But I learned more than just the technical aspects of writing, as I had to combine this writing with forms of digital media. I learned how to use applications to design with digital media, through my work on a “How To” video, an infographic, and social media posts. In my social media posts, I designed posts and wrote copy for Anderson University’s annual fundraiser, A-Day. In my infographic, I explained facts on cognitive behavioral therapy in a manner that was attention grabbing and easy to read. In my “How To” video, I used video, photos, and a voice over to explain tips that college students could use to improve their mental health.
Through this course, I learned the value in thorough research and fact checking and how to understand and reach your audience. These skills are incredibly important because accuracy is crucial to maintaining your audience's trust in your writing and without thinking about your audience's wants and needs, they will not pay attention to your writing.
These assignments required me to carefully consider my audience and how best to convey information in an attention grabbing manner. In visual communication, it is crucial to gain your audience's attention quickly since so many other things are fighting for their attention. I will be able to apply the things I have learned in this course in many areas - from my upcoming internship, to personal blog, to future job after graduation. After completing this course, I have experience writing in a variety of different settings, formats, lengths, and audiences. I can write shorter content, such as an audio and video script or an infographic, as well as longer content, such as a news story or an article.
One of the main themes that unified my work this semester was storytelling. Before this course, I felt that storytelling had a very strict format as a written work with an introduction, middle, and conclusion. Now I understand that storytelling can take on many forms - whether it be a short video or a social media post. Stories surround us and as professional communicators, we tell those stories that impact people. Stories have the power to educate, entertain, and inspire. I am eager to take the things I have learned in this class to continue to tell stories in digital media formats.
