Learn to be an Electronic Journalist.

Journalists and writers used to have their work mostly printed, but that situation has rapidly changed in recent times.

Opportunities for Electronic Journalism are huge, but writing and publishing in an electronic format is often different in a number of ways.

To be successful as an electronic journalist, you need to understand the world of electronic publishing, and this course provides an excellent opportunity for doing just that. 

COURSE STRUCTURE AND CONTENT

Course Duration: 600 hours.

Start Date: Start at any time - study at a pace that suits you, and with full tutor support for the duration of your studies.

Content: Study four Core Modules and then choose two Elective Modules. 

The Core Modules are: Freelance Writing, HTML (Writing a Website), Graphic Design, Information Security.

The Elective Modules are: Publishing I, Advanced Freelance Writing, ASP.NET, Digital Photography, Internet Marketing.

THE CORE MODULES - SUMMARIES

The lessons for each of the Core Modules are listed below. Follow the links in the module titles to access further information for each.

Freelance Writing BWR102 
The 10 lessons are:

1. Introduction
2. Basic Writing Skills
3. Planning What You Write
4. The Publishing World
5. Manuscripts
6. Newspaper Writing
7. Magazine Writing
8. Writing Books
9. Writing Advertising
10. Special Project

HTML (Writing a Website) VIT102 

The 8 lessons are:

1. Introduction to the Internet and HTML
2. The most important HTML Tags
3. Simplification through HTML Construction Software
4. Creating Links
5. Loading a Site onto the Internet
6. Adding Graphics
7. Designing a Web Site that Works
8. Advanced Features

Graphic Design BIT205 

The 10 lessons are:

1. Scope and Nature of Graphic Design
2. Design Fundamentals
3. Colour Theory and Applications
4. Typography
5. Illustration Methods and Techniques
6. Logotype Design
7. Layout Design
8. Design Systems and the Design Industry
9. Comparative Design
10. Design Project

Information Security Management VIT203 

The 11 lessons are:

1. Introduction to Information Security
2. Information Security Ethics
3. Data Integrity and Backing Up
4. Vulnerabilities of Operating Systems and Information Systems
5. Risk Management
6. Information Security Technologies, Developments and Initiatives
7. Physical Security 
8. Developing a Security Policy
9. Implementing and Revising a Security Policy
10. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning
11. Information Security Maintenance

THE ELECTIVE MODULES

The lessons for each of the Elective Modules are listed below. Follow the links in the module titles to access further information for each.

Publishing I BWR107 

The 10 lessons are:

1. The Publishing World
2. Publishing Procedures and Techniques
3. Desktop Publishing
4. Desktop Publishing
5. Illustration: Graphics
6. Illustration: Photography
7. Researching
8. Marketing in Publishing
9. Publishing: Ethics and The Law
10. Publishing Project

Advanced Freelance Writing (Applied Writing) BWR201 

The 7 lessons are:

1. Introduction
2. Educational Writing
3. Scientific Writing
4. Writing a Biographical Story
5. Writing a News Article
6. Fiction Writing
7. Other Writing

ASP.NET BIT200 
The 11 lessons are:

1. Introduction
2. VB.NET Essentials
3. Web Forms
4. Web Server Controls
5. Form Validation
6. Classes and Namespaces
7. ASP.NET Applications
8. Interacting with Databases
9. Error Handling
10. Email from your Applications
11. Project: Creating An Online Store

Digital Photography BPH202 

The 11 lessons are:

1. Introduction To Digital Technology
2. Equipment
3. Digital Technology
4. Digital Cameras
5. Taking Photographs
6. Scanning Images
7. Uploading Images
8. The Digital Darkroom
9. Compositing and Imaging
10. Special Effects
11. Outputs and Applications

Internet Marketing BIT204 

The 8 lessons are:

1. Scope and Nature of Social Media
2. The Psychology of Internet Marketing
3. Social Media Applications
4. Websites, Advertising and Other Applications
5. Capturing and converting customers
6. Creating and Using Content
7. Blogs and Newsletters
8. PBL Project: Developing an Internet Marketing Program

ELECTRONIC JOURNALISTS NEED TO MASTER BOTH WORDS AND TECHNOLOGY

Many may aspire to success in this field because they have exceptional skills in writing; or exceptional skills with technology; but in reality, you need BOTH if you are to realize your full potential.

Writers who cannot master computer technology, will struggle in today's workplace. Similarly, I.T. professionals who aspire to be writers, will never succeed unless they can write in a controlled, clear, concise and focused way.

Inexperienced writers sometimes think they should use sophisticated words and long, complex sentences. They see this as the hallmark of good writing, yet this is not the case. Direct, simple sentences are more effective and more efficient than wordy, complex writing. 

Clarity in writing requires the use of easily understood and unambiguous language. Too often, the writer fails to get the message across because he or she has not used simple, clear wording to communicate his or her message. This can make the writing harder to read, and the intended meaning more difficult to identify; having said that, complex writing does have its place.

• Use words that are familiar to the intended and likely readers.
• If you want to elaborate on, or clarify, the meaning that you are giving to a word, put it into a context that makes its meaning clear. If necessary, state the meaning you intend.
• If you use an unfamiliar word, make its meaning clear in the same ways.

There are three main ways to clarify your meaning: illustrative context, glossing and defining.

Illustrative Context

The word is put into a context (or used in a way) that illustrates your intended meaning. For instance, the word ‘hot’ can have several different meanings, and can also name different degrees of hotness. Note how the meaning changes in the following sentences according to the different contexts.

Cindy thought Gavin was really hot.

It must have been thirty degrees and Cindy thought Gavin was really hot.

Cindy looked through the clothing catalogue to see what was hot.

Glossing

A gloss was originally a note in the margin to explain a word. Today we either use footnotes or put the note in brackets straight after the word being explained. We can also gloss by explaining our intended meaning within the sentence or just after it. For example: 

He wanted more autonomy – freedom to make decisions – in the project.

Defining

Defining involves identifying something in a way that distinguishes it from other things. For example: 

A beach ball is a large, usually very light and colourful ball that can be easily inflated and deflated.

Common Causes of Confusion

Confusion may be instigated through ambiguity as already discussed. There are some other causes though.

Homophones

These are words that are spelled differently but sound the same. Examples: 

• Complement and compliment
• Principle and principal 
• Stationary and stationery
• There and their

Malapropisms

These are words incorrectly used because they sound similar to the right words. Example: 
You can illiterate a common cold with rose hip syrup. (The correct word is ‘alleviate’). 

Colloquial Meanings

This is where established words are given meanings within some groups that are different to the literal or traditional meaning. Examples: 

Let’s catch up with the latest news. 

He is really slack and never gets things done.  

That new boy is awesome.

Jargon

Jargon is the specific language of a profession or field of enquiry. If you are addressing an audience of medical doctors you shouldn't rely on language which is familiar to computer scientists. Ensure the jargon you use is appropriate to the audience, and don't overuse it.

Clichés

These are 'well-worn' phrases, or words, which are usually outdated and demonstrate poor imagination as well as potentially causing confusion (if the reader is unfamiliar with them). They have no place in technical writing. 

Euphemisms

These are words or phrases used to make a point which are supposedly less offensive than the actual word or phrase. With technical writing, in particular,  you must write exactly what you mean and not disguise the true meaning.  

HOW THE COURSE WORKS

You can start the course at any time.

It is studied by distance learning, so you can study in the comfort of your own home. But this doesn't mean you are all alone in your studies.  Our highly qualified and friendly tutors are there to help you every step of the way.  If you have any questions at all, they are always happy to help.

Each lesson includes set tasks, and is completed with an assignment which the student submits to their course tutor.  The tutor will mark the assignment and return this to the student with comments and suggestions for further reading.

HOW THE CERTIFICATE IS ASSESSED

The Certificate In Electronic Journalism requires around 600 hours of study. This is made up of six 100-hour modules.

To pass the course –

1. Pass all assignments on the six 100-hour modules. There will be an assignment at the end of each lesson to submit to your tutor for marking and feedback.
2. Pass six examinations – one on each module. These are usually taken at the end of the module and can be arranged at a time and location to suit you.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY ABOUT ACS

"Thanks for the tips you gave me on the journalist job ... I was given the job of writing an article ... the experience was great and at least I will be published for the first time."
Gavin 

DISTANCE LEARNING THE ACS WAY

At ACS we provide you with more than just a set of course notes.

Your 'learning package' includes:

• Course notes.
• Self-assessment quizzes.
• Assignment feedback.
• You can interact one on one with a professional tutor with decades of experience - just email, phone or log on to chat to connect with them.
• Depending upon your course, your studies may involve independent research, interviews, practical exercises, assessments, Problem Based Learning projects, and more.

IT'S EASY TO ENROL

Register to Study - Go to “It’s Easy to Enrol” box at the top of the page and you can enrol now.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS

Please get in touch with us today - use our FREE COURSE COUNSELLING SERVICE to connect with our specialist tutors - they will be happy to answer any of your questions about our courses. 

Or

Email us at info@acsedu.co.uk

Phone us on (UK) 01384 442752