Gregory Gondwe

Data Journalism

Data Journalism explores the use of data as a central tool for investigative reporting and storytelling. In this course, students will learn how to find, analyze, and visualize data to produce impactful, evidence-based journalism. Through hands-on projects, students will work with datasets to uncover stories, interpret complex information, and present findings in engaging ways using charts, graphs, and other visualizations. The course will cover essential skills such as data sourcing, cleaning, and verification, alongside ethical considerations when reporting on sensitive data. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the tools and techniques to harness the power of data in modern journalism, making their reporting more transparent, credible, and accessible to diverse audiences. No prior experience with data analysis is required, but students should have a basic understanding of journalism principles.

Research Methods:

In my role as a researcher and instructor, I have used and taught a range of methodological approaches at the graduate level, including Qualitative, Quantitative, and Computational Methods. I am convinced that integrating these methods offers a powerful framework for comprehensively explaining various phenomena.

Global Communication:

The course on Global Communication explores the various aspects of communication in a global context. It examines the interplay of media, culture, and communication technologies on a global scale. Students learn about the influences of globalization, international media systems, cross-cultural communication, and the impact of global communication on societies, politics, and economies.

Multimedia Production:

Multimedia Production is a course that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for creating multimedia content. Students learn about the principles and techniques of combining different media elements such as text, images, audio, and video to create engaging and interactive multimedia projects. The course covers various aspects of multimedia production, including storytelling, visual design, audio editing, video production, and interactive multimedia development.

Newspaper Production:

Newspaper Production is a course focused on the practical aspects of producing a newspaper. Students learn about the fundamentals of journalism, news writing, editing, layout and design, and printing processes involved in newspaper production. They gain hands-on experience in writing news articles, conducting interviews, editing content, designing newspaper pages, and understanding the workflows of a newspaper production team.

Coyote Newspaper Faculty Supervisor

As Faculty Supervisor for the Coyote Chronicles student newspaper, I act as a mentor and guide for the entire team. I wear many hats, from facilitating communication and ensuring ethical production to offering expertise in research methods, content development, and journalistic standards. I provide feedback on drafts, help source resources, and navigate any challenges that arise. Ultimately, my goal is to create a supportive and collaborative environment where students can produce high-quality journalism while developing their skills as future media professionals. Check out our award-winning news stories at https://www.coyotechronicle.net and https://issuu.com/coyotechronicle

Media Law and Ethics:

Media Law and Ethics is a course that explores the legal and ethical considerations surrounding media practices and communication. Students study the legal frameworks, regulations, and principles governing media organizations and professionals. They delve into topics such as freedom of speech, defamation, copyright, privacy, and the ethical responsibilities of journalists and media practitioners. The course aims to provide students with a solid understanding of the legal and ethical challenges faced in media environments.

International Communication:

The course on International Communication focuses on the study of communication processes across borders and between different cultures and nations. It explores the dynamics of international media systems, global news flows, intercultural communication, and the role of communication technologies in fostering global interactions. Students gain insights into the complexities of international communication and develop critical thinking skills to analyze and understand cross-cultural communication dynamics.

Media Effects:

The Media Effects course examines the influence and impact of media on individuals, groups, and societies. Students explore theories and research on how media messages, including those from traditional and digital media, shape attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions. The course covers topics such as media violence, advertising effects, agenda-setting, cultivation theory, and the role of media in shaping public opinion. Students learn to critically evaluate and analyze the effects of media in various contexts.

Generative AI and Journalism
The course examines the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and journalism, focusing on generative AI. Generative AI involves using AI algorithms to autonomously create and generate content. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles, techniques, and ethical considerations associated with applying generative AI in journalism. They explore how AI algorithms can automate news writing, generate data-driven stories, and create multimedia content. Key topics covered include natural language processing, machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks within the context of journalism. Practical skills are developed through hands-on experience using generative AI tools and platforms, including analyzing large datasets, extracting insights, and producing compelling journalistic content. Ethical dimensions are explored, including concerns about bias, transparency, and accountability in the use of AI in journalism. Through lectures, interactive exercises, and real-world case studies, students critically assess the transformative potential of generative AI in journalism. They evaluate the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI technologies in newsrooms and consider their impact on journalistic practices, storytelling, and audience engagement. By the end of the course, students possess a solid understanding of generative AI techniques and their practical applications in journalism. They are equipped with the skills to effectively use AI tools and approaches to enhance news production, storytelling, and audience engagement while upholding ethical standards.