OnlineTraining Resources for Journalists

Like in any other profession, Journalists need regular training and skill updating. This can be a hassle if you have a very tight schedule, a family to look after or do not have access to training in your locality. But with the rise in institutions providing online training opportunities for Journalists, it is just a click away from you.


Listed below are three websites which provide training to Journalists, experienced or a new comer. Some of the courses are free and do not have a specific time frame to abide to. You can learn at your convenience and upgrade your knowledge and skills.


New University (www.newsu.org): New University is funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. A project of The Poynter Institute for Media Studies, NewsU was launched in April 2005. It provides interactive, easy to use and understand and inexpensive courses, with some courses being free. For many courses, especially the free ones, you can take your time in completing it and you set your own schedule.

Courses are divided into following categories:

Design, Graphics, Type

Diversity



Editing



Journalism 101



Leadership, Management



Media Audiences, Convergence



Newspapers, Print



Online, Multimedia



Photojournalism



Reporting



Writing

Each category has free and paid courses.

To begin your training just sign up, which is free, and select the courses you want to take. If it is free you can begin training as soon as you sign up, but if it had to be paid from, you have to wait until the payment is processed.

I have taken NewsU’s courses in the past and have found them very informative and easy to understand. If you are new in the field, you cannot miss NewsU.


International Women's Media Foundation (www.iwmf.org/training): Although the Foundation is dedicated to empowering women in the media, the training section is not just for women. Focus area in the free training are:

Leadership Development


Building Your Influence in the Newsroom


Developing Radio Skills

Role of the Editor