Technology training

for journalists

site updated 11/27/05

Welcome to my Web site!

     My name is Debbie Wolfe.

    I am a journalist who enjoys teaching my craft to adults. Since 1989, I have been specializing in what some journalists call CAR or computer-assisted reporting. I prefer to call it "precision journalism" or "public records reporting." This Web site is an outlet for my consulting information and technology tip sheets that colleagues at conferences and seminars have found to be especially useful. The tip sheets on my Web site are free and so is my NEW Math for Journalists course available through Poynter's NewsU online university.

     In addition to work, there's fun so I've also included some travel images. And yes, I love exploring canyons on foot, on snow skis or in a raft. If I have to, riding in a vehicle, train or gondola will do.

    Journalism and teaching/training are my professional passions. Adventure vacations, enjoying the outdoors and sharing with family and friends are my personal passions. Check out the links at the left.

     Editors and college educators: Get a solid start in creating an ongoing and in-house technology training program by tapping my 30 years of adult-level teaching expertise beyond the free tip sheets you'll find on this Web site or at various professional conferences and seminars. My fees are negotiable. I also work at the St. Petersburg Times, St. Petersburg, Florida USA as the technology training editor.

SCOPE:

For technical trainers and journalists

     If you like to teach, train and/or learn on your own, then you'll enjoy my special pages packed with FREE technology tip sheets. Many are geared to journalists but some, like those about the Web, are universal. Click on "SLA tip sheets" or "IRE/NICAR tip sheets" and browse the content.

     Also, check out my free TECH TIPS periodic e-mail column geared toward the "tips, tricks and traps" of technology training for journalists.

For photo buffs

     If you're into photography, take a look at the images posted in the gallery area.  If you have a specific question about technique or a comment, just send me an e-mail: dpwolfe@yahoo.com 

What's NEW!

Math for Journalists is a FREE course available through Poynter's NewsU online university. Use it to refresh your skills and knowledge or to acquire new tools like when you want to use a double-check technique. Examples illustrate how to use numeracy in news reports while drills and games will challenge you to make routine math more routine (www.newsu.org/courses/course_detail.aspx?id=nu_math05)

Registration for NewsU is also free and only takes a few moments. Take my Math for Journalists course for a spin or dip into a topic or two, then drop me a note to let me know what you think: dpwolfe@yahoo.com  I periodically revise and expand the course material with the help of NewsU's Flash guru and Interactive Learning Producer Casey Frechette. 

If you are a newsroom trainer or university teacher, my tip sheet on creating your own math class for journalists will guide you toward creating live training to supplement the online course.

What's happening: 

My TECH TIPS newsroom technology training column will resume shortly -- I need a break. Past issues of TECH TIPS are in the archive area of this Web site. E-mailed columns will be archived approximately one month after release. If you like, stay ahead of the archive by subscribing to the FREE e-mail mailings. To subscribe, send an e-mail to: dpwolfe@yahoo.com with your professional affiliation or a short statement about why you're interested in newsroom training and I'll add you to my routing list.

FREQUENCY:

     Material on this Web site is posted and updated as often as I can manage, so check back regularly. 

FORMAT:

     The basic design of this personal Web site is always a work in progress: The photographic and tip sheet content has priority. Having fun is paramount.

Enjoy! I do. -- Deb Wolfe dpwolfe@yahoo.com

Special feature

     Over the Christmas 2002 holidays my Mr. Nick went over his rainbow bridge. To read my tribute to my fur person friend and to see some photos, follow the link on the "About Me" page.

  -- Deb Wolfe    dpwolfe@yahoo.com