Cronkite New Media Academy teaches digital media skills

The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication has opened registration for its third Cronkite New Media Academy, offering 10 sessions to develop multimedia Web skills.

The program, which runs over 10 Saturdays from March 13 through May 22, is designed for people who want to learn how to set up and develop a Web site for personal or professional use. It is taught by Cronkite professors and staff in the school’s state-of-the-art building on the Downtown Phoenix campus of Arizona State University.

Cronkite Assistant Dean Kristin Gilger said the academy was developed in response to a growing demand from people who want Web skills.

“We’re hearing from a lot of people who say they need to know more to communicate successfully online,” Gilger said. “Things are changing so rapidly that skills can quickly get outdated.”

Participants learn how to design and develop a Web site, how to effectively present and edit photos for the Web, how to use social networking tools, how to do audio slideshows, and how to edit and use video on the Web.

Participants in the past two academies, held this past summer and fall, have come from a wide range of backgrounds and had a variety of goals. Some wanted to launch their own professional Web sites or businesses, some wanted to build personal Web sites, and others sought to advance their careers by building their digital media skills.

"The NMA faculty at the Cronkite School is incredible; passionate, professional and patient, our instructors guided us every step of the way,” said Catherine J. Rourke, editor of a Web site in Sedona. “Their enthusiasm and expertise made all the difference and even made it fun! After 30 years in journalism, I remain confident that my best work still lies ahead."

All sessions are held at the Cronkite School, 555 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Each workshop session begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m., with a break for lunch.

The academy is held on Saturdays. Class size is limited to 20, and learning is hands-on.  

Registration is ongoing. For additional information and to register, go to cronkite.asu.edu/newmedia. Questions may be e-mailed to newmedia@asu.edu.