The Academy is an 8-week fully-virtual programme, with six core modules, one introduction week, and one wrap-up week. Each module has a different focus:
MODULE #1 → KEY CONCEPTS AND DEFINITIONS
What do we mean exactly with "artificial intelligence"? What are the key concepts and definitions to understand AI and how it works? And what about all the other AI-related buzzwords like "machine learning", "neural networks", "NLP/NLG", etc.? In this first session, we'll clear the deck and tackle all the questions you never dared asking about AI.
MODULE #2 → APPLICATIONS OF AI IN JOURNALISM
Artificial intelligence is already used by journalists and news organisations in a variety of different ways. This module will offer an overview of the most common use cases and analyse some specific examples of AI used by newsrooms to find and produce the news.
MODULE #3 → DATA & TECHNOLOGY
AI doesn't work in a vacuum. You need data and an appropriate tech infrastructure. In this module, we'll look at the requirements needed to apply AI effectively.
MODULE #4→ PEOPLE & CULTURE
What skills do the people in your newsroom need to leverage the power of AI? And how do you spread AI literacy in the newsroom? In this module, we'll look at the steps you need to take to put your people in the best position to adopt AI.
MODULE #5 → RISKS & CONCERNS
AI is a powerful technology but there are also risks associated with it. In this module we'll look at what can go wrong with AI and what safety nets we can and should design to mitigate the risks.
MODULE #6 → FROM IDEATION TO IMPLEMENTATION
At this point, you have all the important concepts and examples of applications; and you have prepared your newsroom to adopt AI. Now, where to start? In this last module, we'll sketch together a step-by-step plan to guide your AI processes.
The Academy in 2022 will run through September and October for 8 weeks. The programme includes two sessions per week, and participants are expected to dedicate 4 hours per week to the programme, across the 8 weeks. Here is how the programme will be structured for each cohort in 2022:
AMERICAS:
- Live presentation on Wednesday (90 minutes)
- Live workshop on Friday (90 minutes)
- Assignment to complete individually before the following meeting (~60 minutes)
ASIA-PACIFIC:
- Live presentation on Tuesday (90 minutes)
- Live workshop on Thursday (90 minutes)
- Assignment to complete individually before the following meeting (~60 minutes)