Educational Courseware Website

Client: Western Michigan University Journalism Department

Industry: Education, Journalism

Services Provided: Educational Courseware Website Development, Integration of Multimedia News Functionality, Adherence to University Style Guide


Background: Western Michigan University’s Journalism Department required a specialized educational courseware website. The aim was to provide a platform where journalism students could publish assignments, engage with multimedia news content, and gain practical experience in digital publishing.

Challenge: The challenge involved creating a website that functioned as both an instructional tool and a representative medium for student work. It needed to adhere to WMU’s strict style guide while incorporating various news-related functionalities like maps, slideshows, and multimedia content.

Solution by 2 Acre Studios:

  1. Educational Courseware Design: We developed a website tailored for journalism education, allowing students to post assignments and complete coursework in a digital newsroom environment.
  2. Integration of News Functionality: The site was equipped with features essential for modern journalism, such as maps, slideshows, video, and audio capabilities, enabling students to create comprehensive news articles.
  3. Compliance with WMU Style Guide: We meticulously adhered to WMU’s style guide in the website’s design, ensuring that it accurately represented the university’s branding and standards.
  4. User-Friendly Interface for Students: The platform was designed with a focus on ease of use for students, facilitating their learning experience and content publishing.
  5. Real-World Publishing Experience: By enabling students to publish their work online, the website serves as a practical tool for gaining real-world experience in journalism and digital media.

Results: The launch of the courseware website has significantly impacted the journalism program at WMU:

Conclusion: 2 Acre Studios’ development of the Western Michigan University Journalism Department’s courseware website marks a milestone in journalism education. By providing a platform that combines practical digital media tools with an educational framework, we have empowered future journalists with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving field of digital journalism.

Visit this website.

2 Acre Studios built a website for our publishing operation a few years ago and continues to maintain and update it as needed. Marc is responsive and a problem-solver. Like all people immersed in technology, Marc can sometimes lose me with his explanations. But he communicates patiently and always seeks to understand what we need.
Sue Ellen C.