Web Based Digital Media for College Writing Students
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Writing
When writing for the digital media, the author is not just the writer, but also the publisher, the editor, the graphic designer, and the marketer. Therefore when writing for the digital media, there are more mechanics that the author needs to consider than when writing for traditional publishing where usually the sole job of the author is to write. Issues that might usually be the concern of an editor or proofreader-if the writing is good, identification, and expertise-must be the concern of the author.
Good Writing
When writing for any type of media, whether it be traditional print or online, there is generally a basic standard the writer must adhere to if the writer wants people to read. In web based digital media, “good writing” has a typically higher standard than traditional print. That standard varies depending on what is being written about. No matter the standard, though, the most important thing to keep in mind for all good writing is to keep the readers interested.
Identification
When writing for digital media, identify the audience and consider who is reading what the writer is trying to say. An article aimed at college students will read much different from an article aimed at elementary students even if the same basic information is being conveyed. As a result, it is always best to focus on a small, targeted community when writing online.
Expertise
When writing for the screen one important aspect to consider is design. The layout of the content will determine whether or not a potential reader stops and peruses the information displayed. Subheadings, links, and color scheme will be the first impression an online author gets. The writing, the author's informational expertise, is an afterthought.
Layout
Layout is the visual and technical aspect of web based writing. The site's design must include high-quality images. Personal web pages and sites must also be easily usable and include contact information that is accessible on each page. Not only does site layout include visual elements, it also involves the navigation bar used to travel through the website, the headers and footers used for scanability, and the references supplied by links and other relevance support.
Design
The design of a webpage layout is important when writing for the web. In digital writing, design pertains to the look of the website and arrangement of the text, graphics, and other objects that make up the site. A website's design must be consistent, usable, and navigable.
Photos
Photos assist in providing information to the audience visually. Photos play a huge part in attracting readers, and unprofessional or broken photos can result in loss of credibility for the site and site owner. File formats in photos differ, typically falling into categories such as:
- GIF
- JPEG
- PNG
- BMP
Contact
Contact information should be included on every page of a website because it suggests credibility and accountability. When including contact information in a website, navigation should always be considered. Student's can include contact information by creating a page located on the main menu or at the bottom of each page. Contact information should incorporate:
- First and last name
- Email address
- Business telephone number (if applicable)
- Business address (if applicable)
If students are not willing to display their contact information, contact forms should be included. Students can also include links to their Twitter, Facebook, Linked In, and/or Wordpress.
Usability
Keeping the web page scannable and redundant will help with how well a user understands the points given. By using links and being consistent, the writer is adding to the overall use of the site.
Scanability
Scanability is one of the of the key tools to online layout. "Web users scan content rather than reading word for word. Scanners need clues, signposts and highlights, so content should be shaped for scanning. "[2]
- Headlines
- Subheads
- Links
- Font
- size
- color
- Image/Graphic
Relevance and Support
Having relevant sources and links for the web are essential to the credibility of the page. Sources that are well known or have a lot of credibility can increase the professionalism of a webpage. Making sure content uses these 3 topics will ensure a resourceful webpage:
- Dated Pages
- Outside Web Sources
- Relevant Content Links
Digital and Social Media
Digital and social media sites are changing the way that we interact with the world both professionally and personally. Students who can proficiently utilize socially based networks as well as other digital writing mediums have an edge in their future career endeavors. Ideally, student-based environments that employ good writing can communicate optimally online. Students who use good web writing skills developed in college can take those learned skills and apply them to their career search. Because an online presence is becoming an employer's first impression of an applicant, it is essential to create an effective personal brand. Online résumés sites, social media sites, and blogging sites provide platforms that support professional presence, personality, and perspective.
Linked In
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VisualCV
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About Me
About Me pages are the cover pages of the digital world. By using an About Me page, college students are able to keep all social media outlets in one place. It also allows for others to access all the users interests on one page. About Me pages can be designed by the user in order to better describe the person in his or her own way. As with all writing for the web the basics of usability, scanability, and design should be used.
Twitter is an excellent example of good writing for the screen because of its use of brief and concise information. In addition to communicating with followers and gaining information about the changing world, twitter allows its users to create a personal presence online. Twitter not only provides more contact information when applying for a job, it also provides a platform to create a professional brand. By having a twitter account, students who are searching for a career can add a personal aspect to their résumés.
Wordpress/Blogger
With online blogging sites such as WordPress and Blogger college students can easily publish their thoughts in a professional way. Blogs are a great way for students to practice their writing for the screen. The writing can be personal, but by publishing to a blogging the entires seem more professional. WordPress and Blogger are extremely easy to use with step by step set-up instructions. These online blogging sites are also very customizable with many backgrounds and templates to choose from.
See Also
Notes
References
- Carrol, Brian. (2010). "Writing for Digital Media". New York: Routledge. Retrieved 29 Oct 2012.
- webitRabbit. (2012). "Basic Website Layout". Orange County, California:LLC. Image. Retrieved 26 Nov 2012.