I recently observed Prof. Steve Klein’s class Online Writing – 331. The entire class was a Skype call to an embedded journalist working for Al-Jazeera in Doha, Qatar. Watching undergraduates tweeting, blogging and interacting via Skype caused me to begin researching the future of new media and the ways information will be passed along. I found this interesting forum that is coming up and hope to get more information about it in the coming weeks. By following forums like this I will be able to stay ahead of the curve when teaching my students about journalism and new media.
2011 APR 2 – (VerticalNews.com) — Some of the most influential media leaders from Canada and the UK are set to take part in a panel discussion on April 6 that will explore how current trends, technologies, business practices and social media innovation affect both the media industry and its audience.
The Future of Media is a semi-annual event hosted by Digital Journal in Toronto. The company says its April 6 event has seen tremendous interest from media executives, journalists and entrepreneurs.
The Future of Media panel includes executives from BBC World News, The National Post, CTV Digital Media, GigaOM and OpenFile. Speakers will explore how media outlets are adapting to the Web, how Canadian start-ups are reshaping the news, and what the future holds for media professionals. The event will include a panel discussion and debate, and will end with an interactive Q&A with audience members. Questions will also be collected from users on Twitter and Facebook.
“Tomorrow’s media is going to look remarkably different than today’s media, and this panel discussion will examine that evolution,” says David Silverberg, co-founder and host of the Future of Media, and Managing Editor of Digital Journal. “We’ll be looking at current trends and emerging technologies and we’ll be peering into the crystal ball to see what the future holds for this rapidly changing space.”
This highly anticipated event will take place Wednesday April 6 at the Drake Hotel Underground (1150 Queen Street West) at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and admission is free but attendees must have a ticket. Seating is limited and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Media passes are available and requests should be sent to futureofmedia@digitaljournal.com. A limited number of tickets will also be made available to a rush line for attendees who show up on the day of the event. More info can be found on the Future of Media website here.
The Future of Media panel is made up of a diverse group of industry leaders. Speakers include:
* Jamie Angus, acting head of news at BBC World News* Jon Taylor, senior director of content for 
CTV Digital Media* Chris Boutet, the senior producer for digital media at the National Post* Kathy Vey, editor-in-chief of OpenFile* Mathew Ingram, senior writer with the technology blog network GigaOM
The Future of Media will be moderated by Digital Journal.
Panelists will address the challenges traditional news outlets are facing and how they plan to remain relevant in this digital era; what new media businesses are doing to influence the news; the role of mobile news, from iPad magazines to video reports; and how changing media consumption habits offer a glimpse into the future of media.
Future of Media events are free to attend thanks to the generous support of a number of sponsors.
Platinum sponsor:
* Queensway Audi, Toronto’s leading Audi dealer
Gold sponsors:
* CNW Group, Canada’s leading newswire provider* Rogers Communications, one of Canada’s leading providers of wireless, cable television, high-speed Internet and telephony services* Suite 66, Canada’s largest independent online advertising sales organization* Polar Mobile, a global leader in mobile content solutions* Digital Journal, a digital media news network and leader in social news.
Silver Sponsor:
* McLuhan100, an organization celebrating the centenary of Marshall McLuhan under themes of Then, Now and Next.
Guests of the Future of Media event will also have the chance to win a number of cool door prizes, including smartphones, video cameras and high-tech wireless networking equipment. Keywords: Advertising, Internet Technology, Leisure, Networks, Television, Video Cameras, Wireless Network, Wireless Technology.
This article was prepared by Marketing Weekly News editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Marketing Weekly News via VerticalNews.com.
Brian, sounds most interesting. Could you give us sometime more info and details about just how they are using these in class sessions? Thanks, Bass
I wonder whether we should experiment with this on our last night of classes. I could perhaps find a willing colleague ready to skype in to us in our seminar room?