Going Mobile in Journalism Education

Abstract

The proliferation of mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets with powerful audio-video features, image and video editing apps, and powerful sharing tools has served as catalyst for the deployment of mobile devices in both journalism education and practice around the world. A survey of mass communication students has revealed strong passion for mobile journalism as a professional career path. Respondents noted that mobile devices loaded with relevant apps carry an advantage over traditional cameras in terms of enabling video editing, mobility, and sharing when compared to standard cameras. The writers argue that mobile devices hold a huge promise for both journalism teaching and practice because of their ubiquity, mobility, multifunctionality, networkability, and professional output. On the other hand, the writers see some challenges in this area when it comes to public perceptions of professional journalism as based on ‘professionally-oriented' rather than ‘consumer-oriented' production gear and slow software enhancement by both device makers and app developers.