New Media on the First-Name Terms!

About the course

The course focuses on the new media and the basic principles of building a personal brand, as well as creating quality content for social networks. The course includes modules on visualization, video storytelling, critical thinking, and conflict- and gender-sensitivity.

The key goal of the course is to provide basic knowledge and understanding of how readers approach and perceive news in the new media; provide tools and techniques for creating quality online content and promoting conflict and gender sensitive online journalism.

Course structure:

The course includes 12 modules and is designed for 12 weeks. The study load for students is 5-7 hours per week (depending on the complexity of the module).

Each module includes:

  • Video lectures(from the speaker or video explainer);
  • Text description;
  • Test assignments for revision of theoretical material (7-10 questions for each course module). Each student must pass the test for each module answering correctly not less than 80% of the test questions, and then move on to the next module. The test can be taken 10 times maximum. After 10 attempts, the system will be blocked and the student must register for the course again. Thus, if the first attempts to pass the test are failed, please review the video lectures and theoretical and practical assignments;
  • Practical assignments for the acquired knowledge consolidation. These assignments are optional and should be performed independently;
  • After passing the final control test for the content of the entire course with the score of not less than 80%, the student will receive the digital or printed certificate;
  • Social media marathons for the knowledge consolidation and practicing new skills.

Requirements

The course is designed for the beginners and the students of journalism faculties of Central Asian universities.

The basic knowledge of information computer technologies is required (at the level of a PC user and social networks user). The course can be helpful for the practicing journalists or editors for professional development.

Background information:

The IWPR CA Development of New Media and Digital Journalism in Central Asia project  aims to strengthen the capacity of media, journalism teachers, students and practicing journalists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in the production of high-quality digital, demanded, impartial and objective content. As part of the project, IWPR launched the updated website of the CABAR.asia Media School and the first online course “New Media on the First-Name Terms”. Course materials will be published exclusively on the Media School platform and will only be available to the registered participants. All courses created as part of the project are IWPR CA property and can be used for other projects at IWPR CA discretion.

 
12 weeks
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What will you learn?

To identify the features and secrets of successful video stories
To assess the virality of social media publications
To communicate with the audience, achieve large numbers of the views, likes, reposts
The methods of keeping user attention and methods of content planning
The publishers’ methods of media products’ monetization
To use a critical thinking approach in journalism practice

Program

  • New media and the content production

    In this educational module, you will learn the aspects of creating publications for the new media, namely, methods of retaining the user’s attention, new journalistic genres and formats, methods of content planning. In addition, you will learn what determines the virality of publications on social networks and publishers’ methods of media products’ monetization. Author: Lenur Yunusov

  • Visual storytelling

    In this module, you will learn about visual storytelling, the basic rules of the composition and the color, as well as visualization tools. Author: Aizada Toma

  • Storytelling: The secret of successful video stories

    The best way to connect with your audience is to tell a story, not only interesting, but also beautifully designed story. However, if your story does not grab the attention from the first paragraph or from the first three shots, it means that you did not use the skill of storytelling. After all, a properly started and finished story is always read and viewed in one breath. This module will teach you exactly these skills, as well as reveal the secrets of successful video stories. Such stories that can evoke the whole spectrum of emotions: from love, joy and laughter to sympathy, pain and tears. At the end of the module, you will learn to: • recognize potentially successful stories • choose the correct tone • get creative with the shooting process • communicate with your audience • achieve large numbers of views, likes, discussions and reposts. In addition, at the end of the module, you can find a test to assess the gained knowledge, and a couple of practical tasks. Author: Makhpora Kiromova

  • Critical assessment of information and media sources

    In the global practice, people begin to study critical thinking at school and, at the journalism faculties, future reporters are ready for a critical perception of information. However, other beginners and practicing journalists may not possess this basic knowledge, which complicates the process of applying the rational tools of critical analysis. The module includes several critical thinking tools applicable in journalism practice. The methods and tools presented in the module are based on the scientific approach. Author: Inga Sikorskaya

Instructors

Frequently asked questions

How to register for the course?
First you need to register on the site itself, then select the course that suits you from the “Courses” section and register for the course itself.
Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?
The certificate is received by those who have passed all the lessons within the course and passed the final test successfully (at least 80%).
What if I don’t pass the test?
After each module in the course there is an intermediate test and a general test at the end of the course. You are given 10 attempts to pass the test. If it fails from the first attempts, you can review the lesson and take the test again. After exhausting 10 attempts, the system will be blocked. You will need to register for the course again to complete it.
What to do if the site is down?
Write to us at the indicated contacts in the “Contacts” section or in social networks.
What should I do if my name on the certificate is different from the name in the passport?
When registering, initially enter your data correctly. If you have indicated other details, write to us. We will correct and send the certificate with the correct data.
Can I take several courses?
Yes. You can take several courses at once or in sequence.
How often are courses updated?
Courses that already exist are not updated. We add new courses after they are crated.
How to participate in your other events?
We conduct various training events for journalists and journalism students from Central Asian countries. You can track new events on our website or on pages on social networks and take part. Often you need to register or pass a competitive selection.
Can only residents of Central Asia take courses?
Online courses are available to absolutely everyone regardless of place of residence. Offline events take place in one of the CA countries.
I am not from the media sector, but I want to enroll in the course. Is it possible?
Yes, everyone can take online courses.
How long is the course?
The duration of each course is determined individually, depending on the content and complexity of the course. The average duration is from 6 to 8 weeks. During this period, you must complete all the lessons and pass the tests. If you didn’t finish on time, the system will be blocked. But you can overwrite and go through again.