Embedding innovation pedagogy in teaching journalism

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to test how to integrate innovation pedagogy into journalism and information and communication technology (ICT) teaching while creating a new product for a national media industry. The objectives of the study were to create a new joint course model in which students from different degree programmes would learn and create products and services together in three different stages: networked and collaborative learning, group-based learning and individual learning. Design/methodology/approach Innovation pedagogy is a practically oriented method and can be used for doing applied research. This new learning approach defines how knowledge is assimilated, produced and used while innovating. The research focus is on applied research, and one vital aim is to enhance students’ ability to participate in research and development activities with businesses and other organisations in society. Findings The learning outcomes based on learning at all stages, i.e. individual, group and networks, were successfully achieved, and a new course model was created. However, the model needs further development. Originality/value Innovation pedagogy is a new learning approach. Innovation has been a buzz word in education for at least for a decade – some universities have even embedded innovative thinking throughout their curricula, leading to a new learning approach called innovation pedagogy. Could innovation pedagogy help us to achieve better learning outcomes? Do journalists really need innovation competences? Could journalists and ICT students study together? To answer these questions, the authors began an experiment that uses innovation pedagogy.