Make Something Work – the NEW New Media Update Video Edition

I am turning into a sentimental sap! During the holiday break I created a LinkedIn Group for UGA’s New Media Alum (if you are an alum and you aren’t on it, do it)! I have been going back through the list and I realize that the students who have moved on are what I am the most proud of. Starting up conversations with you guys is making me a little nostalgic.

One of the things that students keep reminding me of is the New Media Mantras. You know, the things we say over and over to keep us on the right track.
One of my favorites is “Make something work. Then make it work better.” Remember that? Well this week, a group of NMI students showed they really get it.
Take a look at this -- http://mynmi.net/newmediaupdate/. Kiley Dorton (a Cognitive Science major) and Zack Goulet (Telecommunications) pitched the idea of a video update telling the outside world about the cool things going on in the NMI. They did a formal presentation – and they even wore ties. Later they recruited Jennifer Strickland (PR) and Justin Williams (Film Studies) to help out. This week they released Episode 1 of the “New Media Update: Origins.” You gotta take a look at it. It will make you miss the fun of college.

Zack, Kiley, Jennifer and Justin – earmuffs. I don’t want you guys hearing this. I am very proud of what they accomplished. And they did the entire thing by themselves. OK, earmuffs off. There are some things we are going to improve on. But they showed they understand making something work, then making it work better. Way to go!

This DBB (Tu, 2/10) Kaye Sweetser and Social Media

OK, I still don’t get Twitter 100%. But Kaye Sweetser does. In fact, we probably should start calling her Dr. Twitter. At our Digital Brown Bag (Tu. 2/10, 12:30P, NMI, 401 Journalism, Dr. Sweetser is going to update us on how organizations are using social media to make themselves better. Join us!

Technology for the Turnaround (4/25)

Five ideas. What if you knew you could go to an event and get five good ideas. Ideas that could change both what you are doing and how you do it. Ideas that give you a glimpse into the future of new media. That is what “Technology for the Turnaround: A Crisis is a Terrible Thing to Waste” on April 25 is all about. We are bringing together experts, alum, students, and faculty to bang out the technology ideas that can make us more competitive in the future. I will keep updating you as the day evolves. But I want you to put it on your calendar. Not only will we learn, we are going to have a great time. Remember, there is no more beautiful place than UGA in the spring. And the Twilight (http://www.athenstwilight.com/) is that night as well. For you alums, this is going to be a reunion of sorts – I just hope I don’t start to tear up!

Apply for NMIX PODs

It’s time to start apply for Permission of Department (PODs) to register for NMI courses. Go to http://mynmi.net/courses/spring2009.php to see the courses we will be teaching in the fall. Then go to http://www.mynmi.net/courses/Fall09PODs.php to apply for a POD for the class(es) you want to take.

Apply for New Media Capstone Fall 2009 (and Certificate)

The good news is the NMI is rocking and rolling. The bad news is we have a lot of students wanting to get the New Media Interdisciplinary Certificate. To manage the enrollment in the Certificate program, we have created a mechanism for people to apply to take NMIX 4510 Capstone – the last course in the Certificate. If you are interested in taking NMIX 4510 Capstone in Fall 2009, you need to go to
http://www.mynmi.net/NMIX4510Application.php and complete the application. You have until Friday, April 13th (yeah, Friday the 13th – ooooohhhhhh) to complete the application to be considered. And you can go to
http://www.mynmi.net/programs/certificate/ to find out more information about the Certificate.

NMI Orientation Sessions – 2/24 & 2/25, 6P

To help students understand the Certificate and how the NMI operates, we are holding NMI Orientations on Tuesday, 2/24 and Wednesday, 2/25) at 6P in the NMI. To attend, you must complete the RSVP at http://mynmi.net/programs/certificate/CertificateInfoSp09.php.
And, remember, you have to attend one of these Orientation sessions to get a POD for NMIX4110.