Return To Index Page

STUDENTS: Internet Publishing (r)

(written by coldspring@iearn.org, 03/25/1996)

Subj: Gov. Conference
From: Joey Bergida
Grade 12

Having been involved with and co-editor of a number of
publications, I definitely feel that magazines and newspapers
can enhance any type of project, especially on-line ones.
By tapping the international capabilities of e-mail, it is
possible to add a dimension to a school publication that was
not possible prior to the development of telecommunications.
Global affairs can be covered "on-site" by students from
those places where news is breaking.  This certainly has been
the case for The Contemporary, a magazine I've been part of
for the past three years.

In addition, students like to see a tangible result of their
work and time, and a publication provides this.
Knowing that a magazine, newspaper, pamphlet, etc...  is
going to be published gives kids a  sense of purpose and
something to work towards.

Publishing a school magazine takes a lot of work, but
personally I have always found that the finished product is
well worth the time.  Also, I think that by putting together
a magazine you can get even more students involved who might
not necessarily want to work on any type of "writing"
activity.  Producing a magazine means that, aside from
obviously having articles, you need photographs and drawings,
people to work on layout, editing, etc...  The list is really
endless.  Because of the wide array of tasks, the number of
students who can join is also endless.

My advice to anyone who wants to either begin a publication
or work on one through telecommunications is to "go for it."
It does take work, but I do believe that the learning
experience and the finished product make the time well
worthwhile.