Media and society 1. Your readings in Week 1, in part, describe a common theme of "Media Fragmentation." Media fragmentation describes a trend to increasing choice and consumption of a range of media for consumers. These choices include more TV channels, radio stations, magazines, more websites. Media fragmentation implies increased difficulty in reaching target audiences. Answer the following questions regarding media fragmentation. Thinking within the context of a fragmented media, answer the following questions: A) Does your list of "must have media" reflect your personal values? How? B) Do you feel that media's targeting of specific groups for specific content has had adverse effects or our society? Positive effects? Explain and cite examples. C) Considering the concept of the Digital Divide as you read in this week's readings, is it problematic that the internet is becoming driven by economic objectives? Explain your answer. D) After reading 21st Century Communication: A Reference Handbook: Chapter 62: Media Literacy, you read that "media education is a lifelong process." Give examples of times that you have become enlightened about media, resulting in increased media literacy. Or, if you have no personal examples discuss what situations might force media literacy. 2 pages 2. Please reply to this post with your response to the following questions: A) What variables about news-gathering are beyond the control of reporters and editors but nonetheless affect what people read, hear and see? B) How are journalists captives of the personal values and biases they bring to their work? Provide an example of this through a video clip or story? C) After reading "Encyclopedia of Emerging Industries: Blogging" provide a "large scale" example of when blogging became problematic and one when blogging actually helped solve a problem. 2 pages 3. Please reply to this post with your response to the following questions in regard to broadcast media. Be sure to reference material from your textbook to validate your points as you answer these questions: A) Is there any value left in the big-screen movie experience? B) Will online streaming video overtake the other motion-medias? Why or why not? C) How can broadcast television change to remain competitive and can you cite any examples of programming changes that they have made to do so already? How does "free content" in television play into this? D) After reading "21st Century Commuication: A Reference Handbook: Chapter 96: Radio and Television Programming," explain how cable TV was instrumental in leading to greater demassification (look it up if you don't know what it means) of media content. 2pages 4. Week 4 – After reading The Impact of New Media on Intercultural Communication in Global Context, think about the innovations in digital media that have changed the way we think, act, and live. A) After reading under the categories in New Media and Globalization and The Impact of New Media on Intercultural Communication, apply critical thinking techniques to help Shan (2010) answer this question, “Is intercultural communication possible?” under the context of new media in global society. B) Also, has digital media influenced music? What are your music habits and how do you listen to music and buy it? How have your habits changed in the way you access and buy music? C) After watching "Michael Lockrey: Citizen Journalism and the Democratisation of News Coverage" provide an example of how citizen journalism has been effective. Explain how it was effective and explain how citizen journalism can also be problematic. 2 pages 5. This week's readings in the Learning Resources on advertising provide examples of both good and ineffective ad campaigns. Please answer the following prompts regarding advertising and public relations: A) Post a link to one of your favorite ads and in short essay format, answer the following questions: Does it persuade you? How? Why do you like it? Is there anything problematic about the ad? Also included a link to an ineffective ad, providing evidence that the ad campaign failed (cite your source in proper APA or MLA format). In your summary, explain (in your opinion) why one ad succeeds and the other fails. B) After reading this week's Learning Resources, provide an example,(other than those listed in the readings) where public relations campaigns have been effective or ineffective, and provide a link to information about that example. Answer, in short answer format, why was the campaign successful or unsuccessful? Provide a link to the example. 2 pages 6. Respond to the following prompts by providing examples of each: A) Mass Communication sets or perpetuates some gender agendas. Provide links to examples. B) Mass Communication influences attitudes and opinions about gender, race and sexuality. After reading "The SAGE Handbook of Gender and Communication: Chapter 16: Gender, Race and Media Representation," pose a question or statement in the group discussion that you now have after completing the readings. For example, this could be a statement about how we could start to combat the misrepresentations. 2 pages 7. Provide an example of some form of misrepresentation in media over the years (includes: staging news, re-creations, selective editing and fictional methods). Give some background for context and answer; why, in your opinion is this an example of misrepresentation and why is it egregious? Provide the link to the example. Additionally for the Week 8 discussion, consider media bias. Both conservative and liberal sides claim that there is media bias (to the other side of their beliefs) yet, it is evident that there is bias on both sides. It is no secret that the traditional views of the following 3 media outlets are as follows: Fox News--Conservative/Right, MSNBC--Liberal/Left, CNN--Moderate. A) Track a relatively current news story and report to the class the way the 3 media outlets presented the story. Were there surprises to you in your findings? B) Also pick one additional media outlet of your choice (perhaps NPR, or BBC) and look at their perspective of the same story. 2 pages 8. After reading Week 7 Learning Resources, provide an example of one concept that you learned in the readings. You may choose any concept or theory that you wish, but you must cite the source, explain how your example is connect to the concept, and finally explain why you feel the concept is important. Your answer should be in the form of a short answer, complete with an opening paragraph, thesis statement, source citation, and conclusion.2 pages

Week 2 Assignment - Employability Skills and the Future of Work Make sure to read the detailed instructions (pay special attention to the Microsoft Word template you will be using to organize your assignment) and the scoring guide (rubric) for the Week 2 Assignment - Employability Skills and the Future of Work.To submit your assignment, please go to the Week 2 Assignment in Blackboard by clicking the Week 2 Assignment link above.Course: WRK100: Preparing for the Future of WorkWeek 2 Assignment: Employability Skills and the Future of WorkDue: Week 2 What to submit/deliverables: Word document that contains a completed Week 2 Assignment Template.What is the value of doing this assignment? In this assignment, you will have an opportunity to practice communicating the value and impact of three of the 10 Skills. You will build greater self and social awareness as you consider which skills reflect your existing strengths and the value of those skills in different contexts. Examining these skills can help you better see how to leverage skills you already have in your professional and personal pursuits. Additionally, clearly communicating why these skills are of value will increase your chances of success in showcasing your strengths in future interviews. You will be more likely to land new opportunities and set the stage for additional opportunities in the future as well as future-proof yourself against a changing landscape of work that will include automation, new ways of working, and new career fields.Your goal for this assignment is to: Describe the importance and impact of key competencies and behaviors that are necessary for success in the future of work.Steps to complete: In Week 2, complete and submit your assignment using the following steps:STEP 1: Review the Skill Definition Table to help you select the two skills you will be writing about in addition to the self and social awareness skill. This table will also help you to accurately describe each of the three skills you will be writing about.STEP 2: Using the Week 2 Assignment Template, complete the sections for the self and social awareness skill using your own words. Do not copy and paste from the Skill Definition Table or from any other source. Make sure you write at least three sentences in which you address the following from the template: Skill description •Importance to the future of work •Example of how this skill can make you valuable to a potential employer STEP 3: Repeat Step 2 for each of the other two skills you have chosen. You should have written at least three sentences for each skill, for a total of nine sentences minimum. It is important to write in your own words and not copy and paste from the Skill Definition Table or from any other source. STEP 4: Save the template with your completed responses as a Word file titled Your Name, WRK100_Week 2 Assignment Future of Work and submit it in Blackboard in Week 2. To help make sure you are properly citing your sources, please review Strayer Writing Standards. Week 2 Assignment Rubric View Dr. Nicole's video below for an overview of this assignment, and find more assignment resources on the "Help from Dr. Nicole" link on the left menu. Click here to watch the video Skill Definition Table SELF AND SOCIAL AWARENESS Definition: Understanding your personal strengths and limitations; recognizing your thoughts, emotions, and intentions; being open to receiving feedback; and identifying how your behaviors impact others. Why it Matters for the Future of Work: Self awareness can help you find the right career for you, know when it’s time to leave your current job, and make you a stronger leader. (Swerdlow, 5) TECHNOLOGY Definition: Being able to confidently and effectively use technology to be productive, complete goals and tasks, and maintain a competitive advantage. Why it Matters for the Future of Work: 78% of today’s jobs require familiarity with technology, and digitally intensive jobs are growing faster and pay more than non-digital roles. (Southern New Hampshire University, 6) PRODUCTIVITY Definition: Strategizing, organizing, and effectively managing your time and priorities. Why it Matters for the Future of Work: High performers can be up to 800 percent more productive than other workers, drastically cutting down the time and money needed to complete large tasks - something managers always value. (Keller, 7) INITIATIVE Definition: Thinking independently, seeing what needs to be done, and taking action without being prompted. Why it Matters for the Future of Work: Initiative has become more important in modern workplaces, as employers rely on people who have the courage to push their teams forward. (Mind Tools, 8) RESULTS DRIVEN Definition: Acting with a sense of urgency and focus to reach goals, without compromising integrity or quality. Why it Matters for the Future of Work: As companies use more freelancers, they need those workers to be results-driven so projects stay on track. (Do, 9) COMMUNICATION Definition: Actively seeking and delivering information, clearly articulating ideas, effectively listening, and confidently connecting to various audiences, settings, and situations. Why it Matters for the Future of Work: Communication is one of the top five skills that will be important in the future across all industries…and that employers currently find lacking. (Gilchrist, 10) RELATIONSHIP BUILDING Definition: Effectively working with others and establishing, cultivating, and leveraging networks.