Indiana University


Journalism

Reproduced with permission from NeXT Computer, Inc.
A Reference Guide to NeXT in Higher Education, Fall 1992
ยช 1992 NeXT Computer, Inc

Journalism school adopts NeXT computers

Mastery of newsroom technologies is rapidly becoming as important a prerequisite for aspiring journalists as proficiency in reporting, writing, and editing skills. Consequently, at journalism schools throughout the nation, faculty are faced with the challenge of integrating the instruction of computational skills into the traditional journalism curriculum. The School of Journalism at Indiana University, Bloomington, is no exception.

In 1989, the school began implementing NeXT technology into its journalism curriculum, reserving two classrooms with 43 NeXT machines as working newsrooms. In this simulated environment, students write and edit stories, send one another copy via NeXTmail, coordinate graphic design and layout, and manage the business of producing a publication-all on NeXT machines.

"Our students need to know this technology," says Wilmer Counts, professor of journalism. "NeXT computers, and the peripherals and software, are far better than any other platform. The screen resolution, 400 dpi Laser Printer for newspaper-quality reproduction, and FrameMaker provide all we need in one package-solid drawing and solid word processing support."

Before purchasing NeXT machines, the school also tested PC and Macintosh platforms. According to Don Baker, technical coordinator for the university's computer systems, the faculty decided on NeXT machines for four reasons:
"the consistency of its interface; the superiority of the UNIX operating system-a strong academic standard; its networking capabilities; and Interface Builder for developing custom applications."

In addition to the 43 machines used by students, another 22 NeXT computers sit on faculty desks. In fact, when the school's 24 faculty members were given the choice of a NeXT computer or a DOS-compatible computer, all but two opted for a NeXT. In addition, 12 of them bought NeXT computers for their homes at their own expense.

Counts, one of the school's biggest NeXT proponents, is using his NeXT machine for a variety of projects. He is working on a graphic database of photographs and photography techniques that he calls his expert learner program. Counts says the database is an attempt to distill his lifetime of photographic experience into an accessible, automated form. In October 1991, he self-published The Magnificent 92, a coffee-table book about Indiana courthouses, which was produced entirely with FrameMaker.

Meanwhile, Associate Dean James Brown, who also serves as director of the National Institute for Advanced Reporting in Indianapolis, is introducing NeXT technology to the working press. He recently organized a demonstration of the NeXT machines' multitasking and networking capabilities at the institute's Annual Conference for Computer-Assisted Journalism, which was attended by 500 professional journalists from five countries.

A NeXT user at work and at home, Brown says, "NeXT's multitasking capability lets me work in different applications at the same time-word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail, and Digital Librarian. Its large screen makes it easy to manage many windows. And its connectivity makes it possible to connect to multiple on-line databases simultaneously. Journalists need to be linked to the world, and NeXT's networking capabilities let them access information and communication with colleagues."

Concludes Brown, "I think professional journalism will see a rapid integration of NeXT computers. Any newspaper considering automating should look at NeXT. It makes sense for professionals seeking ease of use, connectivity, and multitasking."

For more information, please contact:

Wilmer Counts
Professor of Journalism
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN 47405
(812) 855-1727
wcounts@ucs.indiana.edu