Format: 90-minute webinar-style training
Capacity: 50-60 journalists per session

Syllabus
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SYLLABUS

Course Description

This track is designed for reporters with minimal or no knowledge of AI who are interested in getting started. Perhaps you are on the education beat, keen to dive into the way AI is entering the classroom; perhaps you are on the breaking news desk, increasingly being asked to write about the latest AI claims from Elon Musk. We will begin with the basics, covering the history of AI, how the technology works, and key technical concepts such as “neural networks” and “deep learning.” We will also dissect what makes a good AI accountability story, from quick turnaround stories to more ambitious investigations, and dig deeper into a few examples. At the end of the course, those who are interested in learning more are encouraged to register for the AI reporting intensive.

How the Class Works

To make this course as inclusive as possible, we are conducting the training sessions virtually. For you to get the most out of the course, and to support your peers in doing so as well, we ask that you treat it like an in-person workshop: close out your other work and commit to be 100% present and engaged during class time.

Learning Outcomes

Through this course, participants will learn:

  • background knowledge on the history of AI to understand its latest developments
  • a clearer understanding of how AI works and how to better cover the multiple parts that make up its supply chain
  • how to resist AI hype, and how to identify and cover the most important dangers, failures, and real world impacts of AI
  • how to use their existing arsenal of tools to cover AI from every angle

Structure of the Course

Subject to change based on the needs of workshop attendees.

Preamble (2 minutes)

  • Introduction to the instruction team, structure & goals of the course

Part I. Foundations (25 minutes)

  • History of AI and the AI lifecycle (inputs / outputs)
  • Intro to deep learning & generative AI

Part II. AI reporting through an accountability lens (20 minutes)

  • Anatomy of an accountability story
  • Tools for reporting: documenting harm, embedding with communities, cultivating sources

Part III. Reporter’s notebook (35 minutes)

  • Deep-dive into an example of covering government
  • Deep-dive into an example of covering a company
  • Q&A - interactive

Close (5 minutes)

  • Summary and feedback


ALL TRACK 1 TRAININGS


AI SPOTLIGHT SERIES

September 30, 2024: Introduction to Reporting on AI

This training will be virtual, held in Spanish & English, and timed for journalists in Africa and Europe time zones. What time is that in my city?

Leer en español.

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AI SPOTLIGHT SERIES

January 23, 2025: Introduction to Reporting on AI

This training will be virtual, held in French & English, and timed for journalists in North America, South America, Africa, and Europe time zones. What time is that in my city?

REGISTRATION COMING SOON

AI SPOTLIGHT SERIES

March 5, 2025: Introduction to Reporting on AI

This training will be virtual, held in French & English, and timed for journalists in Africa and Europe time zones. What time is that in my city?

REGISTRATION COMING SOON
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