The virtual newsroom: Using wiki technology for training student print journalists

Abstract

This article analyses how, during a one-year project, a wiki was established to enable student print journalists to collaborate to create a professional print news product. The idea was to replicate a professional newsroom where a second set of eyes is always cast on material before publication but to do so in an environment that provided flexibility of access and therefore accommodated demanding student timetables. The wiki provided a space for student peer editing of news and feature stories enhancing the collaborative, creative and critical literacies of those involved. The article explores how peer review (in the writing process) helped these reviewers become better writers and ultimately better journalists. It reviews literature regarding the use of wikis as a collaborative learning tool and uses student surveys to assess the success of the pilot project.

Keywords

• new media
• journalism training
• web tools