Despite changes in reporting news, Gary Hanson says that journalism is still about facts and storytelling.

"The basic tenets haven't changed in the last 50 years," Hanson says.

Although Hanson, an assistant professor in electronic media, believes in traditional reporting techniques, he clearly enjoys experimenting with new reporting tools.

"When I started doing TV in 1971, I shot in black and white, soundtrack was part of the image and I edited it together by gluing filmstrips together. The tools have changed," says Hanson.

Now, the ease of editing and creating visuals on his computer has blurred the distinction between work and play for Hanson.

"I read computer manuals for fun," says Hanson.

Designing national award winning websites to teach his classes, Hanson is using all the tools at his disposal to shape news media learning for the 21st century.

Starting out as an electrical engineer and working in television for 25 years before moving into teaching full time helps him understand technology in a different way.

"Doing a classroom presentation is like producing a newscast," says Hanson. New developments in technology simply offer more tools for storytelling.

His professional background aided him in the creation of his Media, Power and Culture class. He has produced more than 150 video clips to be included on the site. He is able to present information in a variety of formats for a better learning environment.

Concepts being discussed in class can be presented in a multimedia environment through audio and video examples.

"Part of learning to use new media is learning to think visually," says Hanson.

The Web also allows him to communicate with students on an ongoing basis. Information is stored for continual reference and his creative designs serve as examples of the possibilities of communication on the Web.

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Story produced by Val Kelly