Roamer's Zone

Local Universities - I have visited the online newspapers for the following universities in order to research the ways in which these institutions implemented new media elements on their websites. One thing that I noticed was that all the schools that used the new media elements to the fullest capactiy had considerably larger student populations then Seton Hill University.

Student Population: 1615 undergraduate students (according to Petersons.com)

1. Duquesne - The Duquesne Duke. The school has a very nicely organized online component to their student newspaper. The publication comes out on a weekly basis. Upon visiting the website for the online newspaper I noticed the last update was on April 24, 2008. On the homepage for the newspaper there is sidebar navigation that has a section for AP Video feed. The Duquesne Duke also offers the option of downloading podcasts of their weekly sports program that covers many aspects of sports.

There is also a section of the site specifically devoted to photos that uses a Macromedia Flash Slideshow. Photo essays are featured on this page as well. Comments are also enabled on the articles and pictures in order to get student feedback. It appears evident that the online edition of the newspaper is frequently visited. Polls are also part of the page. There is also a way in which you can view the articles by order of most recently commented, most popular and most emailed.

Student Population: 5837 undergraduate students (according to Petersons.com)

2. The University of Pittsburgh - The Pitt News. There is also a way in which you can view the articles by order of most recently commented, most popular and most emailed. RSS Feed. Register for e-mail updates. Send a letter to the editor (all links at the bottom of the website). It is a very basic website, but it still includes high quality color photos. Comments are also enabled on the articles and pictures in order to get student feedback.

Student Population: 17208 (according to Petersons.com)

3. West Virginia University - The Daily Anthenaeum. One thing that I really liked about this online newspaper’s website was that it included a section for comics. It doesn’t really relate to new media, but it does add a certain visual element to the website that is lacking on the Setonian site. Color photos. RSS Feed.

Student Population: 21145 undergraduate students (according to Petersons.com)

4. California University of Pennsylvania - Cal Times Online. CUTV/AP Video options on the right sidebar navigation. RSS Feed. Color photos. Simple in design, but effective.

Student Population: 6299 undergraduate students (according to Petersons.com)

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