About the Certificate in Online Journalism
The Program Teaching/Learning Methodology
The Certificate Program does not require any attendance at a campus or centre. To accommodate working professionals, it uses what is termed an 'asynchronous' delivery method, i.e., one in which participants have total control over exactly when they do their learning. At the core of this asynchronous delivery there is a learning resource package, available on the course website, comprising course content and learning activities, links to online resources, etc. Students also interact online with Coordinators, Tutors and other participants so as to facilitate social and interactive learning.
To enable you to interact with the materials, Coordinators, Tutors and other participants, you will need access to a computer and to the Internet. Further details of the equipment and connectivity requirements are given below.
The Program Content
The Program comprises five (5) modules:
Module 1: Introduction / Using the Internet / Understanding HTML
Participants are introduced to the basic use of the Internet. This includes use of search engines and various web based tools. Information and instruction on HTML codes and structure is also outlined in this module.
Module 2: How to write for the web
This module looks at writing for the Internet by providing basic tools and techniques. Keep in mind that many of the basic principles for writing remain the same regardless of where the information will be published. The basics of writing (news) is explored as well as other aspects of good journalism.
Module 3: Online Journalism and Old Journalism - Citizen Journalism
The development of online Journalism – newsrooms, mobile journalist etc.
The rising the phenomena of audiences producing/publishing their own content
Module 4: How to shoot/publish images – publish videos
How to use a digital camera/cellular phone camera, use of slideshows
How to use and publish video
Module 5: How to evaluate web sources – ethics and responsibilities
Legal issues – web sources ethics and responsibilities and libel/copyright issues
Assessment
A system of continuous assessment is used to ensure that participants achieve the objectives of the course. Each module incorporates activities/exercises designed to assess your knowledge of the content, but also to be applicable to your role as an online journalist in the region. The main method of assessment will be contribution to a blog that will be created specifically for this course. After the fifth week of the course regular blog entries will be required for assessment.
What you need for the Course
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A computer with CD-Rom drive;
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Access to the Internet, preferably with a connection speed of greater than 56 kbps;
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A full-featured browser, e.g, Netscape Navigator version 4.5x or higher, or Internet Explorer version 5.0 or higher;
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Adobe Acrobat Reader;
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Anti-virus software;
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An email account;
and most importantly ....
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