OJR: The Online Journalism Review

Larry Atkins

Jenkintown, Pennsylvania

I am a journalist, a lawyer, and a university professor. I have written over 300 articles, Op-Eds, and essays for many publications, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Baltimore Sun, B’nai B’rith International Jewish Monthly, Chicago Tribune, Christian Science Monitor, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Counterpunch.org, Dallas Morning News, Detroit News, Harrisburg Patriot-News, Hartford Courant, Indianapolis Star, Jewish Exponent, Kansas City Star, Los Angeles Daily News, Metro Newspapers (Boston, New York and Philadelphia), NCAA News, National Public Radio (commentaries for Morning Edition and Only a Game), Newark Star-Ledger, Newsday, Orange County Register, OpEdNews.com, Philadelphia City Paper, Philadelphia Daily News, Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Inquirer Sunday Magazine, Quill Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Times-Chronicle, Writer Magazine, and Z Magazine. I am a frequent contributor to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Commentary Page, as I have written 70 Op-Eds since 1993. I am a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors and the publicity director of the Philadelphia Writers Conference. I am the author of "Larry the Liberal Lawyer Lashes Out".

I am an Adjunct Professor at Temple University (I have taught Basic News Writing, Editorial Writing, Public Affairs Journalism), Arcadia University (Journalism I and II, Newspaper Practicum, and Writing for Law), and La Salle University (Basic News Writing).

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These articles are the work of their author, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of nor an assignment by OJR.

Reading, 'riting... and revenue? Online publishing changes the 'three Rs' for college students

October 1, 2008
Sure, algebra, chemistry and English composition are important. But the most important basic skill and task that should be a prerequisite to graduating college is that students should create their own professional websites.

In today's changing high-tech job market, students should be developing their own professional websites and blogs while they are in college and even high school. In addition to theoretical and analytical courses, colleges should teach real-world practical skills such as constructing a website. Schools should teach students that the Internet is more than a social networking tool or a way to research papers and projects.

I teach Journalism at Temple University and Arcadia University. At the beginning of each semester, I'm surprised at the small number of students who have developed their own professional-style websites. Everyone is on Facebook or MySpace, but only five or so of the approximately 400 students that I've taught over the last five years had their own website, which featured their writing samples, articles, or other work. I now emphasize to all my students that developing their own professional website while in college can be an effective marketing tool and a great way to get internships, part-time jobs, full-time jobs, exposure, and extra cash. More...

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