You’ve been given a new media assignment for one of your classes. Or you want to work on a project on your own. So how should you go about writing a new media text?
A few basic principles for writing new media texts:
- Choose your new media form (youtube video, web site, flash game, etc.) to match your content. Don’t use new media just for the sake of using new media–use it because it will powerfully convey your content.
- Always consider your intended audience. If your goal is to reach Calculus students you should use a different approach than if your goal is to influence Hannah Montana fans, even if your content/subject matter is the same.
- Take advantage of technologies you know in creating new media projects, but also be willing to learn technologies, programs, and online venues. If you take the time to learn a new technology, you’ll be able to use the knowledge many times in the future. On the other hand, don’t try to learn a new technology if you’re cramming to finish a project.
- Be willing to collaborate with your peers, whether it be in coming up with ideas or in having someone to look over your new media text at various stages in the process.
- Consider the special characteristics of different genres when you attempt to move something from one genre to another. For example, if you’re turning a five page paper into a youtube video, consider what what important in the five page paper (a clear thesis statement, a rather structured organization, an academic tone) and what is important in a youtube video (saying something in an engaging way, having interesting and entertaining visuals, keeping it concise). Then, decide what essential parts will transfer into the new genre and what will need to be changed.
- Browse online for ideas of how others have approached similar projects, and for new media approaches and ideas that could be applied to your project.
- Be willing to experiment and come up with new, creative ways of expression.
- And finally, once you’ve completed your project, spread the word and share it with others!
