Timeline_Wheeler by Makaylah Wheeler

The formation of the National Communication Association (NCA)

12sing4u — 2025-03-12 18:52:51 UTC

In 1914, 17 members of the National Council of Teachers of English broke away to form the National Association of Academic Teachers of Public Speaking, which later became the National Communication Association (NCA). This marked the beginning of a formalized organization dedicated to the study and teaching of communication, particularly speech education, at the academic level.

The emergence of interpersonal communication studies

12sing4u — 2025-03-12 18:54:01 UTC

During the 1960s, the study of interpersonal communication gained prominence, moving beyond the traditional focus on public speaking and rhetoric. This shift was largely influenced by social psychology and emphasized the study of one-on-one communication, small group interactions, and the complexities of personal relationships, becoming a foundational area in communication studies.

The 1973 Memphis Conference on Communication Pedagogy

12sing4u — 2025-03-12 18:54:21 UTC

The 1973 Memphis Conference was a pivotal event in the development of communication pedagogy, focusing on the professional identity of communication educators and the application of research in teaching. This conference set the stage for the establishment of communication pedagogy as a field of study and led to the creation of resources aimed at improving the quality of communication instruction.

The introduction of the DICE model (Developmental & Instructional Communication Education)

12sing4u — 2025-03-12 18:54:40 UTC

In the 1980s, the DICE model emerged as a framework for understanding the broad scope of communication education. It represented three key areas: the development of communication skills in children and adults, the training of communication educators, and the role of communication in teaching across various subject areas, reflecting a more comprehensive approach to communication pedagogy.

The rise of online and social media communication teaching

12sing4u — 2025-03-12 18:55:00 UTC

In the 2000s, the advent of platforms like YouTube revolutionized communication education by enabling educators and students to engage with multimedia content. The rise of online communication and social media allowed for new forms of interaction, content creation, and teaching, integrating digital communication into the academic study of media and interpersonal communication.

The Rise of Streaming Services and Digital Media (2010s-Present)

12sing4u — 2025-03-12 19:13:32 UTC

The rapid growth of streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube has transformed the landscape of mass media. This shift to digital-first media production and consumption has reshaped my field (mass communications) and will influenced both my media career and the content I teach about media distribution, content creation, and the evolution of entertainment in the digital age.

The Invention of the Internet (1960s-1990s)

12sing4u — 2025-03-12 19:15:11 UTC

The development of the internet, particularly the creation of the World Wide Web in the early 1990s, has had a profound impact on mass communication. This event revolutionized how information is shared, how media is consumed, and how communication education is taught. The rise of digital platforms has directly influenced your path, especially in media and digital communication fields.

The Emergence of Citizen Journalism (2000s-Present)

12sing4u — 2025-03-12 19:16:13 UTC

The rise of smartphones and social media has empowered individuals to report news and share stories in real time, often bypassing traditional media outlets. This shift in journalism has broadened my field of study and changed how reporters are even reporting, influencing how overall news is reported, consumed, and taught, especially in relation to media ethics and the changing role of journalists.

Found WMUL-FM (2017)

12sing4u — 2025-03-12 19:21:23 UTC

In 2017, I discovered WMUL-FM, and it became a pivotal moment in my journey into the media industry. Joining the station gave me hands-on experience in a variety of roles, from managing social media to working with the production team. This exposure solidified my passion for media, as I learned how to engage with audiences, produce content, and understand the intricacies of communication within a broadcasting environment. It was the perfect foundation for my continued growth in the field of media and communication.

Started teaching CMM (2023)

12sing4u — 2025-03-12 19:21:52 UTC

In 2023, I started teaching CMM 103: Introduction to Speech Communication as a graduate assistant, marking a significant step in my academic and professional development. This experience allowed me to apply the communication theories I had learned in class while developing my teaching skills. Working with students to build their confidence in public speaking and seeing their growth throughout the semester solidified my desire to eventually return to teaching full-time. It was a rewarding experience that helped shape my understanding of effective teaching practices in communication.

Realizing the Impact of Media on Society (2014)

12sing4u — 2025-03-12 19:22:30 UTC

In high school, I was just beginning to get involved in social media, and it became clear to me how it could deeply influence societal behaviors and attitudes. I saw firsthand how social media platforms fueled bullying, particularly as girls compared their bodies and self-worth to curated images online. This experience shaped my understanding of how media, while connecting people, also amplifies insecurities and unrealistic standards, which has guided how I approach teaching media literacy. It has influenced my teaching philosophy, especially in terms of helping students critically analyze media and understand its power to shape perceptions of identity and self-image.