Computational thinking and the next generation of journalists

Seth C. LewisUniversity of Minnesota–Twin Cities

ACP summer workshop keynote | July 22, 2011@sethclewis

what can computer science contribute to journalism?

and vice versa?

we’ll get to that, but first …

a story about journalism jobs and entering through the ‘back door’

where the jobs are today

“So, in summary, journalism folks: it is in your economic interests to learn how to make the internets.”

— Andy Boyle, web developer for The Boston Globe

so, um, how do we make the internets, you might ask?

skill set

mind-set

computational thinking

Greg Linchweb producer, The Washington Post

@greglinch

Greg’s skill setOnline: HTML and CSS; working knowledge of JavaScript, PHP, MySQL and XML; experienced in community management and engagement; proficient in producing and hosting podcasts; experienced in customizing and implementing SIMILE widgets.

Software (Windows and Mac): WordPress, including basic theme customization with PHP; Final Cut Pro, Soundtrack Pro; Soundslides; Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and working knowledge of Flash/basic AS3

—from greglinch.com/resume

“Computational thinking involves solving problems, designing systems, and

understanding human behavior, by drawing on the concepts fundamental to

computer science. Computational thinking includes a range of mental tools

that reflect the breadth of the field of computer science.”

— computer scientist Jeannette Wing(h/t Greg Linch)

i.e., thinking like acomputer scientist

computational thinking in the everyday …

and computational thinking in journalism

so, to sum up:

* know the back door* know the interwebs

* broaden your thinking* find the best of ‘outside’ and

bring it ‘inside’ journalism

thanks.

questions?

@sethclewis | sethlewis.org