The Future of Digital Communication
By: Erica Abbott, Christle Gehman, and Jessica Paradysz
Everyone is familiar with traditional media; glossy magazines, the Sunday paper, local news programs, and your favorite radio stations. Technology, however, is constantly changing and people need their news on the go. Most people consume media online or on their mobile devices. The media industry cannot ignore this transition and must embrace the world of multimedia as the new face of journalism. The digital first era follows a “platform free” mindset where reporters must be digital storytellers. The workflow is revolutionizing as reporters must implement all types of media to tell effective and compelling stories. Colleges across the nation are forced to change their communication curriculum to prepare students for the workforce.
Alexa Milano, a rising senior communication major at Cabrini College, is creating a portfolio through her work in multiple media. The communication department, however, recently announced the implementation of a new “Digital Communication and Social Media” major. The four new classes are not available until the Spring 2015 term, thus putting upperclassmen at a disadvantage. Alexa is not able to take the new major, but she has been able to gain real word experience through her internship and other leadership positions in the department.
Yet, can these students excel in the workforce without the distinction of the new major? Internships are invaluable as student garner hands on experience and professional connections. In addition, Cabrini offers convergence courses that cultivate digital communication skills in a final senior project.
Erica Abbott 