The integration of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) into public relations and communication education presents new challenges and ethical considerations for educators. This paper presents a series of activities to explore implications of genAI adoption in public relations and communication professions, focusing on the need to equip…

This paper introduces generative AI for the graphic design of student presentation aids in a university public-speaking classroom. Students learn to use generative AI as an efficient enhancement to the creative process while preserving the integrity of the content. Students' slide presentations show improvement resulting from the activity, and…

Courses: Media and Society, Introduction to Mass Media, Digital Culture. Objectives: By the end of this activity, students will be able to: describe dominant news media discourse about digital and social media; elucidate connections between dominant discourse and the perceived effects of technology; and recognize and critique arguments that rely…

Courses: Communication Technology, Communication Theory, History of Communication, Media and Society. Objectives: Students will develop an understanding of the two principal theories of technology and culture: technological determinism and the social construction of technology.

In an effort to move students beyond their typical understanding of social media, "the collaborative identity project" requires that they collectively contribute to one single, pseudonymous, online identity spanning five popular social websites over the course of one semester. In this enriching and thought-provoking exercise, students…

The influence of social media and technological developments has changed how groups and organizations advocating for social change generate awareness and participation in their causes. In this single class activity students will (a) analyze notions of activism and "slacktivism" from scholarly and popular sources to apply these concepts…

The title and lyrics of "Video Killed the Radio Star" (VKRS) epitomize Marshall McLuhan's intricate aphorism "The Medium is the Message." A staple of many communication courses, the aphorism not only suggests that the technology used to convey information (the form) is just as important as the information conveyed (the content), but also that…

The use of new and advanced technologies has a significant potential to impact the way students communicate in a number of contexts and settings. Many students will find themselves in both academic and career situations where computer-mediated communication (CMC) group interaction will be necessary. As a result, it is important to integrate…