Format: 90-minute virtual interactive training
Capacity: 25-30 journalists per session

Syllabus
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SYLLABUS

Course Description

This track is designed for managing editors, executive editors, desk editors, social media editors—anyone in charge of directing coverage, commissioning stories, or packaging and producing them for public consumption. We will identify different types of AI stories and dissect what sets apart the best coverage, including its framing, headline, and artwork. You’ll learn how to assess both pitches and filed stories, and avoid common pitfalls that can mislead or confuse an audience (or an editor). There will be opportunities to ask questions, trade tips, and have a lively discussion among fellow newsroom decision-makers.

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. If your internet connection and environment allows, we recommend that you turn on your camera.

Learning Outcomes

Through this course, participants will learn:

  • background knowledge on the history and latest developments in AI that can help them identify, plan, and execute AI coverage and projects in the newsroom
  • the different categories of AI stories and how to shape them
  • how to resist AI hype, and how to identify and cover the most important dangers, failures, and real world impacts of AI
  • how to spot and avoid AI cliches and jargon
  • tips and tricks on how to assess and question AI pitches to make for better stories
  • practical tools and guidelines that can help them and their reporters better navigate coverage of AI and its impacts.

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 (20 minutes)

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

Part II. What makes a good AI story? (35 minutes)

  • An overview of different categories of stories, including: claimed breakthroughs, product announcements, AI risks, AI failures, AI impacts, lawsuits, audits
  • Examples of the best coverage and common pitfalls - interactive

Part III. Tips & tricks (25 minutes)

  • Bulletproofing a reporter’s pitch
  • The editor’s AI coverage red flag checklist
  • A guide to AI jargon - interactive

Close (5 minutes)

  • Summary and feedback


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July 2024: An Editor's Guide to AI

This training will be virtual, held in English, and timed for journalists in Middle East, Asia, & Pacific time zones. Apply for a spot by June 21, 2024.

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October 2024: An Editor's Guide to AI

This training will be virtual, held in English and Spanish, and timed for journalists in North America, South America, Africa, & Europe time zones. Apply for a spot by September 2, 2024.

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