N.C. A&T "J" students cover the 2008 elections

Journalism students at N.C. A&T State University "moblogged" the November 4th presidential election, using camera phones, digital cameras and camcorders to capture the sights and sounds of ordinary voters casting ballots in an historical presidential election.

The "mo" in "moblogging" refers to the use of mobile communication devices to deliver and post news and information in "real time." A "blog" is a easy-to-produce Web site that allows people to post text, graphics, digital photos, audio and video.

Students, some armed with laptops and other mobile devices, were dispatched to selected areas in Greensboro, N.C. to capture events. They'll posted their productions directly to this site.

"This is an historic event that students will remember for the rest of their lives," said Dr. Kim Smith, a professor at A&T who teaches a course in converged media. "Students have spent the past several months learning how to use mobile devices and post content to the Internet.  Moblogging the election, between Barack Obama and John McCain will further test their skills."

Smith said the Web site should change every 10 to 15 minutes once election day rolls around, as content is added on a consistent basis. "Think of it as a mosaic," he said.

Smith worked as an editor while "moblogging" the 2004 Republican and Democratic National Conventions at Newsplex, the experimental convergence newsroom at the University of South Carolina. Journalism students from across the country reported from the conventions using mobile devices.

For more information, contact Dr. Kim Smith at kcsmith1@ncat.edu. Phone: 336-334-7900 Ext. 3010.