Course description
Get a sound understanding of the opportunities and challenges digital technology brings to journalism. Explore some of the latest news stories - Trump and fake news, Cambridge Analytica, citizen reporting of terror attacks - by delving into the technology, tools, and issues.
On this five-day course youll be introduced to the pivotal digital developments in web journalism, social media and digital publishing. You will find out about latest reader expectations that have made new business models not only possible but necessary. Whilst this is not a techie course you will have the opportunity to get to grips with technology, such as Google Analytics and data visualisation, in some practical workshops.
Through a series of case-studies youll look at different revenue-generating business models. There will be the opportunity to contribute to current debates and issues in digital journalism such as participatory culture, verification and disruption. Through a series of outputs, the course will conclude with the presentation of a digital portfolio published online to reflect your skills and progress.
You should have some prior journalism experience but you do not need to have any previous digital knowledge.
Who Should Attend
This course has been specifically designed for those who have been working in journalism and want to explore the opportunities and confront the challenges of digital journalism with greater confidence.
You may be:
- In a senior editorial position and responsible for recruiting new staff and managing a digital production budget
- A journalist working with developers and digital designers
- Returning to work after a break for parental leave or other reasons
- A freelancer seeking opportunities and networks
All our Online Short Courses include:
- Live online lessons with the same tutors
- The same course content and learning outcomes
- Lesson recordings, for review
- Access to VLE with course content
- Forums for support
- 2 weeks online access
- Certificate upon completion
Please note that all courses are taught in UK time.
Online courses are closed to all new bookings 48 hours prior to the course starting.
Details
Topics covered
Day one: Overview
Lectures
The Media Landscape > From traditional to digital journalism
Issues in contemporary journalism > Fake news, verification and the techno-moral panic
Workshops
Blog project brief > Choosing platforms and planning content
Working with fake news > Test your skills in an interactive quiz
Day two: Content
Lectures
Intro to news journalism > Writing for print vs digital content creation
Issues in contemporary journalism > Convergence, UCG and digital storytelling
Workshops
Sourcing and creating news content > Virtual vox pops
Digital Storytelling > Devising the framework for an explainer
Day three: Data
Workshop
Finding stories in numbers by crunching data and producing a digital visualisation > With Jonathan Stoneman
Day four: Social
Lectures
Understanding social media > The platforms, the tools and the skills
MoJo journalism > Exploring a mobile-first approach to digital media
Workshops
What makes a good Tweet? > Test your skills in an interactive quiz
Your social media presence > Choose a platform and devise a profile
Day five: Publishing
Lectures
Understanding digital publishing > How do you make money?
Workshops
Demystifying digital > Pick a publication and untangle its economic model
Digital media vocabulary > Understanding the jargon
Materials
Online short course materials
To take part in the Online sessions you will need:
- An up-to-date web browser (we recommend Chrome)
- Microphone and headphones (a headset with a microphone function is recommended. The built-in microphone in your device would also be fine)
- Webcam
- Strong Internet connection - we recommend a minimum of 2 Mbps download, and 1 Mbps upload, faster if possible. You can test your network speed here - https://www.speedtest.net
Please bring for the first session: