Educational innovation in Journalism. A review of teaching experiences at Spanish universities

Abstract

Journalism studies at universities is at a crossroads as a result of the impact of digitisation on the professional journalistic sector, as well as on higher education, the latter of which has embraced the intensive use of technology to prepare new students, who are already “digital natives”. In this scenario, the academic debate is in the process of reaching a certain consensus on the need to introduce such changes, but without losing sight of the fact that the university cannot renounce its duty to educate future journalists in attitudes and cognitive skills that will enable them to exercise the profession in a responsible and committed way. With this approach considered suitable, the study herein reviews some experiences and projects related to innovative teaching in journalism studies at Spanish universities. As a result of the review, it has been concluded that innovative teaching in this field must be approached in a way that provides learning that is distinct from traditional methods. Moreover, such innovation requires strong support from universities in order for its sustainability not to depend solely on the voluntary efforts of the professorial staff.