Journalism in the Digital Age, online course

Learner Details

This online course Journalism in the Digital Age provides information on the varying web tools and practices used by journalists online, from the use of social media to online safety to ethical issues faced by professional and citizen journalists.

The course begins by introducing the online risks and threats affecting modern journalism. You will learn about the digital dimensions of journalistic safety such as awareness raising, digital security, safety assistance and research. You will also learn about online security and how software viruses have the capacity to collect, analyze and store digital communications. You will learn how journalists and others who contribute to journalism are now experiencing threats on multiple platforms such as online abuse, cyberstalking and harassment, and how relatively easy it is for an attacker to collect details about a person online.

Next, you will learn about new reporting methods and how journalists need to become as efficient as possible by embracing technology and using the power of the online community to help with their reporting. Different tools such crowdsourcing, distributed and open source reporting, and the use of social media are explained. You will also learn about the basic processes and approaches involved in online blogging and how to cultivate a community with readers to test ideas, receive feedback and publish in the timeliest manner possible. The use of good graphics, photos and video and how they add visual appeal, attract readers attention, and make stories more understandable, as well as the tools involved, are also explained.

Finally, you are introduced to the essential elements of a news package and how to set a news agenda online. You will learn about utilizing online research methods and strategies such as taking user surveys and using focus groups to provide information. You will also learn about broadcast and script writing techniques, and how these create the framework for your words, sound and video to tell the story.

This course will be of great interest to journalists and students who want to improve their understanding of the use of the web and online digital tools for journalism, as well as emerging online safety issues and digital developments.

CERTIFICATION

To qualify for your official ALISON Diploma, Certificate or PDF you must studyand complete all modules and score 80% or more in each of the course assessments. A link to purchase your Diploma certificate will then appear under the My Certificates heading of your My Account page.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing this course you will be able to:
- Explain the digital challenges facing journalists;
- Define the classification of a journalist;
- Explain the different types of online attacks;
- List the main types of surveillance technologies; 
- Explain digital security principles;
- Explain methods to for journalists to become more efficient;
- Define the different types of reporting models;
- Explain the use and format of a blog; 
- Identify the main techniques involved in blogging;
- Use different types of graphics effectively;
- Explain the essential elements of a news package;
- Identify the elements of online writing structure;
- Define what is meant by fair use and plagiarism;
- Explain script writing techniques;
- Explain vision, value and ethics statements in media organizations;
- List the elements of SMART objectives.