Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas

Short Courses of the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas

Journalists Can Apply for Online Spanish Course: Digital Tools for Investigative Journalism Journalists Can Apply for Online Spanish Course: Digital Tools for Investigative Journalism

The Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas at the University of Texas at Austin will repeat its popular online Spanish-language course for Latin American and Caribbean journalists: 'Digital Tools for Investigative Journalism, beginning March 30, 2009 and ending May 3. Applications will be accepted online until March 19, 2009.

The five-week class, created by Argentine journalism instructor Sandra Crucianelli, is free of charge, and will conclude May 3. Spaces in the course are limited, and preference will be given to journalists who are working full time for print or electronic media, have at least three years of experience, and limited opportunities to attend training courses.

Objectives of the course include:

Learn advanced techniques of online investigation
Become familiar with official national databases
Learn to use new digital tools of the Web 2.0.
Acquire new techniques for Internet access and specialized software.
Learn to use government websites as sources, especially documents related to public budgets.

Requirements to participate include:

Basic knowledge of common software: Office, WinZip, Adobe Acrobat, and Explorer or another Internet browser
Access to a computer with cable modem or high bandwidth
Ability to read English (medium level).
No previous participation in the course "Tools for Investigative Journalism."
A commitment of 10-15 hours a week, and no concurrent participation in any other class.
Possession or creation of a Gmail and Yahoo account.

The course is conducted entirely online and is divided into weekly modules that contain audio and PowerPoint lectures, theoretical background, and useful online resources. Weekly exercises will be performed through discussion forums, and final exam will take place the last week of the class.

Participants may study at their own pace, according to their own schedules, but they will be expected to meet weekly deadlines.Students who complete the course will receive a certificate of participation from the Knight Center.

Applications will be accepted online from March 11 to March 19, 2009 by 5:00 P.M. (Austin, Texas time) here: http://knightcenter.utexas.edu/blog/?q=en/node/3189.

Those who are selected will be notified the week of March 23. Journalists who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of participation from the Knight Center.

Crucianelli is a nationally and internationally known journalist and instructor who has taught her online courses with the Center since 2004 as part of the Knight Center's distance education program.

The Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas was created by Professor Rosental Calmon Alves at the University of Texas at Austin School of Journalism in August 2002 thanks to a generous donation from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Added Apr 02, 17:29, 2009