Principles of Broadcasting 1

Enrollment Message

Students need access to a webcam or video recording device.

Course Description

Available for August 2025 Enrollment

This course looks at the history, growth, and impact of the audio and video industry from early radio to modern digital media. Students will learn about important innovations like AM and FM radio, satellite transmission, and internet streaming. The course also covers the role of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in setting rules for media, making sure broadcasters act ethically, and keeping the public safe with systems like the Emergency Alert System.

Students will also explore how digital recording, editing software, and streaming platforms have changed the way we create and share content. The course explains the roles of media professionals such as producers, engineers, and on-air talent, and shows how they follow industry standards and FCC rules. There is a strong focus on safely using equipment and keeping up with changing media guidelines helping students to understand the future of audio and video media and its impact on society.

• Counts as a directed elective or elective for all diplomas

Course Goals

Upon completion of the course, students will…

• analyze the history and development of the audio and video industry by exploring key technological advancements, major broadcasting milestones, and their influence on modern media platforms.  
• evaluate the impact of key radio pioneers, such as Guglielmo Marconi and examine how their contributions shaped communication, entertainment, and news broadcasting.
• interpret FCC regulations by researching policies on ethical broadcasting, public safety requirements, and frequency management, and explain their role in maintaining industry standards. 
• compare and contrast past and modern trends in radio technology by examining advancements in transmission quality, audience engagement strategies, and shifts in consumer listening habits  
• demonstrate proper handling, configuration, and safety practices for audio and video equipment by setting up, troubleshooting, and maintaining essential production tools in a studio or field environment.  
• explain the differences between AM and FM radio, including their unique transmission processes, signal quality, coverage range, and their applications in commercial and public broadcasting.  
• assess the cultural and societal effects of early radio by investigating its role in shaping public opinion, spreading news, promoting music and entertainment, and influencing global communication.  
• create audio and video content using industry-standard software and production techniques, applying principles of storytelling, editing, and sound design to produce professional-quality media.  
• identify the roles and responsibilities of radio station personnel, including producers, engineers, and on-air talent, and describe how each contributes to the success and functionality of a broadcast station. 
• predict future developments in media by analyzing historical trends, current technological advancements, and emerging innovations in digital broadcasting, streaming, and audience interaction.

Indiana Academic Standards

• Next Level Programs of Study Competencies

Units of Instruction

• Unit 1 Early Radio
• Unit 2 AM and FM Radio
• Unit 3 Modern Era of Broadcasting
• Unit 4 Navigating FCC Rules and Broadcasting Regulations
• Unit 5 Personal, Equipment, & Safety

Grading/Evaluation

Indiana Online does not assign letter grades, grant credit for courses, nor issue transcripts or diplomas. A final score reported as a percentage of total points earned will be sent to students upon completion of a course. Your school of record can also access this score within the Student Information System, Genius. The final score will be shown as a percentage in Canvas and Genius. The student’s school of record will determine the letter grade based on their specific grading scale.

Students must complete at least 70% of the course and take all parts of the final exam(s) to have a score reported to their school of record. Failure to meet these requirements will result in a score of 0 reported to the school of record.

Assessments

Online assessments consist of formative and summative assessments represented by computer-graded multiple choice, teacher-graded writing assignments including hands-on projects, model building and other forms of authentic assessments. The course includes the minimum number of assessments

• 23 Assignments
• 8 Quizzes

The assessments for this asynchronous course are weighted as follows

Teacher Contact Response Time

Students can use email or the private message system within Genius or Canvas to access highly qualified teachers when they need teacher assistance. Students will also receive feedback on their work inside Canvas. The Teacher Information page of their course may describe additional communication options.

The teacher will respond to student inquiries (email, text, call) within one business day. Assignments will be graded and posted within two business days.

Expectations for Academic Conduct 

Student Handbook 

It is your responsibility to read the student handbook to understand all aspects of taking an online course including expectations for academic conduct. Contact your teacher if you have any questions. 

Assistance for Students with Accommodations

Indiana Online supports an inclusive learning environment for all students. If there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that hinder your full participation, such as inaccessible web content, or the use of non-captioned videos and podcasts, reasonable accommodations can be arranged.

Technology

Technology Requirements 

Students will require a computer device with headphones, a microphone, webcam, up-to-date Chrome Web Browser, and access to YouTube. Please review the Indiana Online’s Technology Requirements.

Technical Skills Needed 

Basic technology skills necessary to locate and share information and files as well as interact with others in a Learning Management System (LMS), include the ability to

• download, edit, save, convert, and upload files
• download and install software
• use a messaging service similar to email
• communicate with others in online discussion or message boards, following basic rules of netiquette
• open attachments shared in messages
• create, save, and submit files in commonly used word processing program formats and as a PDF
• save a file as a .pdf
• copy and paste and format text using your mouse, keyboard, or an html editor’s toolbar menu
• insert images or links into a file
• search for information within a document using Ctrl+F or Command+F keyboard shortcuts
• work in multiple browser windows and tabs simultaneously
• activate a microphone or webcam on your device, and record and upload or link audio and/or video files
• use presentation and graphics programs
• follow an online pacing guide or calendar of due dates
• use spell-check, citation editors, and tools commonly provided in word processing tool menus
• create and maintain usernames and passwords

Technical Questions?  Please contact the Indiana Online Helpdesk.