Schools Press Conference toward attaining responsible journalism

November 17, 2018 Educator's Corner Opinion

“With great power comes great responsibility!” – Spiderman
The recently concluded Division Schools Press Conference was held last November 10-12, 2018 at Tublay School of Home Industries. The theme for this school year is “Fostering 21st Century skills and Character-Based Education through Campus Journalism.”
Sir Chris Dao-anis, a distinguished toastmaster, gave his remarkable thoughts and messages that left a remarkable inspiration to the participants. He started singing some lines in a song and said “I was just a kid when I fell in love with writing.” He also emphasized to the campus journalists to love what they do and enjoy what they love doing.
The following are the shared four truths about campus journalism. First, journalism is a gift. Nurturing the gift in journalism is a must, whether it is a gift in writing, cartooning, photojournalism or broadcasting. Second, it is a skill which must be developed, whichever place they land in during the competition. Third, journalism is a privilege, because not everyone had the chance to represent their school or district; that is why it should not be wasted. Lastly, journalism is a given gift, skill and privilege so responsibility is needed when they make use of these. Responsibility is the greatest among the truths.
The theme was explained further by Sir Chris in connection with the four truths in campus journalism. The essence was stressed to the campus journalists by challenging them to foster the 21st century skills with responsibility. These skills are collaboration, creativity or imagination, critical thinking and problem solving.
According to him, collaboration or team work is needed in order to learn more the skills needed to be mastered. Creativity and imagination was emphasized through responsibility in using skills during this digital age. Fake news is still fake news even if they consider it as creative or imaginative news. Genuine news must be delivered as a reflection of responsible journalism. Critical thinking must be maximized. If campus journalist were bestowed with incredible mind, then make the most of it. Lastly, problem solving must be a priority skill to be achieved whether they focus on personal involvement, societal issues, environmental or cultural problems.
The campus journalist must also be holistically developed. The speaker said, competence is nothing without character. Character was defined as distinct nature of something and humans are good in nature. Challenges along the way are countless but the skills engrained through the years should remain.
He concluded his message by saying that campus journalism is like a kite. The main part is likened to the skills gained in journalism. The tail and the rope which serve as the controller are likened to the characters or values of the campus journalist. I would like to add to the simile about the rope and the tail. I would best compare it to the driving force of our life—our Almighty Source of everything and whom He sent as the Greatest Journalist of all times, bringing the Good News—Jesus Christ. JOCELYN R. BUMANGHAT, Camp 4 Elementary School, Tuba, Benguet