MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Jabber, AIM, Craigslist, Amazon, Yahoo, Google, Skype, iPhone/iTouch applications, YouTube, Hulu

“if these are some of the digital applications that you enjoy, you’re going to love this class!“

The aim of this class it to learn together and from one another through the application of BYU-Idaho’s learning model (pdf). I know that many, if not all, of you have some great insight into the wonderful world of new media and your input will be rewarded!

This class will help prepare you for the ever-changing and fast-paced world of advertising and public relations. As there are so many new technologies that are appearing everyday, there is much ground to cover. We will dive into these new technologies, understand their basic functions, learn about how they are being used while reasoning future applications of technology as it pertains to business and communication.

The only book I require for this class is “The New Rules of Marketing and PR” it only costs $11.02 from Amazon and it will be required for your weekly assignments. The book is heavily focused toward new media and has received some great reviews, currently being the best selling book on Amazon on New/Social media.

A laptop is strongly recommended for this class, as we will not be meeting in a computer lab please have your laptop with you. You can also use an iPhone, iTouch or any other device that will connect to the web via a fully functional web browser, (firefox, safari etc.)

FIRST WEEK ASSIGNMENT -- due 28th April

1. Order The New Rules of Marketing and PR by David Meerman Scott and read pages 1-27
2. Write up a half page summary of what you learned (single spaced) have this printed out or post it on your blog before our next class, not during
3. Create a Twitter account if you do not already have one
4. Write up a half page summary of your favorite places to visit online, include links and your activities, for example: Facebook -- chat with friends and family. And CNN.com -- viewed iReport articles on the Murfreesboro, Tennessee twister. This does not have to be a detailed log of online activities, just give me a good idea of what you like to do online
5. Be ready to show the class your favorite viral video -- e.g. “Charlie bit my finger“

I look forward to learning and getting to know each of you and be assured that we are going to have a lot of fun in this class! The syllabus will be posted shortly. If you have any questions please “tweet” (twitter) me @robkellas or comment on this post.

Rob Johnson

UPDATE: Here is the Comm 497r syllabus

About the Author:  Rob Johnson is a freelance web developer who has a passion for online marketing. He is an Addy Award winner and currently teaches a New Media Strategies class at BYU-Idaho.