Digital research and digital tools
Knowledge
The student
- has an overview of key databases, websites, and digital tools for journalistic information retrieval and analysis.
- is familiar with the principles of algorithmic governance and how this influences journalistic work.
- has knowledge of how artificial intelligence and language models function, including their possibilities and limitations.
- has an overview of how AI is currently used in Norwegian newsrooms and is familiar with the ethical frameworks regulating its use.
- is familiar with the principles of producing effective infographics and visual representations.
Skills
The student
- can conduct advanced digital searches for information and sources.
- can use social media strategically for source work.
- can build, clean, and analyze simple datasets.
- can systematize and organize work with digital sources.
- can apply digital spreadsheets effectively in journalistic work.
- can design simple prompts for AI tools and critically evaluate the results.
- can produce basic infographics and visual presentations based on data material.
- can apply digital methods for fact-checking content.
General competence
The student
- Can critically evaluate various digital sources
- Has an understanding of legal and ethical frameworks related to digital research and digital tools
- Masters digital information gathering and analysis for journalistic purposes
If students from universities outside Scandinavia are enrolled, the lectures will be in English. Otherwise, the lectures will be offered in Norwegian.
Lectures, group work, individual work with supervision, workshops, and seminars.
Composite assessment (SV) consisting of:
Mandatory participation (OD). 80% participation is required in all teaching and activities with organized supervision in this course, see overview in Canvas. Attendance is counted per session, not hour by hour. Must be completed before delivering the assignment. Assessment: Approved/Not approved. Counts 0/100 of the final grade in the course.
Course requirements (AK). Two course requirements with accompanying sub-assignments. AK1: Document basic skills in digital research through practical exercises in advanced searches, use of databases, and simple tools for data analysis and visualization. AK2: Write a short analytical or reflection paper focusing on digital source criticism, fact-checking, and ethical issues related to algorithms and/or the use of artificial intelligence in journalistic research. Assessment: Approved/Not approved. Course requirements must be approved before submission of the OP. Count 0/100 of the final grade in the course.
Assignment (OP). Submission of a written assignment in which students must demonstrate both practical and theoretical skills related to digital research and digital tools. Grading scale A-F. Counts 100/100 of the final grade in the course.
All support materials and aids are permitted during the examination. Any use of artificial intelligence must be accounted for.
Generating answers using ChatGPT or similar artificial intelligence and submitting them wholly or partially as one's own work is considered cheating.