Day-wise summary of 2nd Digital Media ToT Islamabad

Day-3 Summary (Dated: 05/12/2012)

Following the feedback session, stories of all the participants were critically discussed. The trainer emphasized that the topic should develop curiosity among user to read the piece till the end without boring them.

After the blogs, we had an Editorial meeting in which all of us selected stories of our own choice. Michal Alexander asked us that we have to go out in the city and shoot photos for our stories.

Before going for the shooting, Myra Iqbal, A photographer serving in The Express Tribune, delivered a lecture on Photography. She shared his work giving details why did she take the photograph, where it was taken etc. Her work was worth-appreciation but she did not focus on the technical things. It was, I think, better if we would have taken photographs and then the photographer tells us where we went wrong.

However, we went out for shooting after lunch and it was a good experience. The manager of the CNG did not allow us to shoot. We came back and the trainer gave valuable suggestions and assigned to do blogs.

Day-2 Summary (Dated: 04/12/2012)

The day started with the feedback session and all the participants shared their experience of the previous day. This was a hectic day. The pre-set goals as defined in the schedule were, however, successfully achieved.

Alexander Michal told the participants about the elements of the story important for webpage. The webpages of different media organizations such as BBC, The New Yorker, The Express Tribune etc. were also critically discussed. It was emphasized that the sites should have detailed Top Navigation bar which makes easier to find anything for the users. We learned that the webpages should be interesting and contents eye-catching.

We were guided through that how news can be balanced and fair having greater impact. The main things which were learned are described below in bullet form:

· News Writing

· Gathering the content

· Selection of the Media

· Audio and podcasts

· Shooting Photos for the web

· Videos

· How to give captions to pictures

· How to tell story

· Style

· Use of charts, tables, bulleted lists and Graphichs

· Logical flow of the news…Beginning, Middle and End

· Grammar and Spelling

· Subbing

· Use of Analysts for Analysis

· Significance of Audience

We were also assigned to select a news story from the newspaper and make it ready for the webpage consisting of 100 words. The trainer evaluated the stories of each participant guiding how these can be improved. He really suggested valuable additions to the story.

We are assigned to write an opinion piece of our own choice with the directions that it should not exceed than 300 words.




Day-1 Summary (Dated: 03/12/2012)

This was the first day of the second Digital Media Training of Trainers (DM-ToT). As usual, it started with the introduction. Alexander Michal, Regional Journalism Adviser of Internews, introduced himself briefly. He told that he had served in many media organizations including BBC.

After introduction, the trainer asked us about thr previous ToT. He emphasized the importance of content as 'content is king'. He talked about the headline that it should grab the attention of the readers (target audience). He also told us that how important it was to mention the source.

Michael also had a critical look at the blogs of all the participants. He guided me that the content should be made relevant to the taget audience.

Later on we kept practicing the previous work under supervision of the sir, Asif. We created accounts on DailyMotion.

At the end we were assigned to critically view the different media organizations websites and select a story for the next day.

It is for the information of the participants of the First Digital Media Training of Trainers that the Second ToT has been rescheduled which will positively start from December 3-13, 2012. :-))

We all can share our suggestion. All are welcome!