Warmer Weather Distracts WSU Students

With only two weeks in the semester and warm weather approaching, WSU college students are finding it increasingly difficult to remain productive. I interviewed three college students to give me some insight as to how the sunshine keeps them from their studies.

Thanks to :

Erica VanNatta

Jadon Carossino

Jake McCaffrey

This video was done by Meg Janssen.

College Seniors Find Ways to Distract Themselves

It is common knowledge that college students waste hours upon hours while on the Internet. Yet with six weeks left in the semester, many college seniors have found new, somewhat productive ways to distract themselves. Suddenly cover letters, resumes, networking and finding jobs have become a priority for many graduating students. Watch the above slideshow to learn what three college seniors do while on the Internet.

Wagner James Au

Attending Wagner James Au's presentation opened my eyes to the extent and nuances of reporting in virtual worlds such as Second Life.  Throughout his presentation he shared how to be a good journalist while reporting on in-world events and people.  Sharing his personal experiences of reporting on Second Life events, he gave examples such as the French Front National.  He also went into detail on the limitless nature of Second Life; people can be whatever they want to be and anything they can imagine.  

Au also noted the importance of using common sense and not giving in to "in-world drama." Furthermore, deciding whether to identify people as their avatar or real-world identity can be a tough decision.  He advised to just be honest and report the news, emphasizing the fact that the information received was what the avatar character gave you (as a reporter).  He provided the example of a woman he met in-world who lived in a beautiful ocean-front mansion.  She told Au that in real life she was homeless, living in a drug house acquiring internet from a coffee can and an open fuse.  Though he debated the woman's legitimacy, he made the decision that whether she was lying or not, it was a fascinating tale.  

I also learned the numerous advantages virtual world journalists have over real world journalists.  By cutting and pasting and  taking in-world screen shots, virtual journalists have access to techniques that make reporting that much easier.