The Facebook Journalism Project and Reuters have teamed up to offer a free introduction to digital journalism course. Journalists from eight countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and India will be able to access the e-learning program.

According to release by Facebook, the curriculum was developed by Reuters and includes modules on digital news gathering, news verification and reporting, publishing on social media, wellness and resilience training while reporting.

The course can be accessed here: https://reutersdigitaljournalism.com/ and appears to be available in English, Indonesian, Sinhala and Thai languages.

According to Reuters, who puts together the Digital News Report, this year’s one cautions that a “greater reliance on social media and other platforms give people access to a wider range of sources … some of which are at odds with official advice, misleading, or simply false.”

And for journalists, it’s important to learn how to report responsibly, ethically, and with verification. The DNR found that, “[M]ore than half of our global sample said they were concerned about what is true or false on the internet when it comes to news.”

“Journalism is once again respected, and much in demand, even if the methods by which we get our news, and the metrics by which we measure it, are shifting. The DNR points out that “Publishers are increasingly recognizing that long-term survival is likely to involve stronger and deeper connection with audiences online.” And though it might not seem like it, news consumers prefer news that is neutral and unbiased.”

Gina Chua, executive editor at Reuters says, “With news media firmly in the digital age, being able to use digital platforms safely and effectively is essential.”

“The Reuters Digital Journalism Course offers best practices from Reuters journalists around the world to provide the foundation for sound journalism, whether you’re a budding journalist or a seasoned one looking for a refresher,” says Chua.

Facebook’s strategic media partnerships manager for Africa Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy says, “At Facebook, we’re grateful to journalists across Africa who are working hard to keep their communities informed about the issues that matter to them—especially when the pandemic has made working conditions so challenging. We are delighted to support news media with tools and training to navigate the new challenges of the digital era.”

What the course entails, according to the site:

This course takes a deep dive into best practices for budding and experienced journalists alike. Using compelling images, and hands-on how-to’s, this course moves the user through four Modules that tackle Digital Newsgathering, Verification and Reporting, Publishing Effectively on Social Media, and Wellness and Resilience. At the end of the course, you will have gleaned valuable insight from the highly-respected professionals in the Reuters newsrooms around the world, as news media moves into the digital age.

When you earn your certificate in this course, you can use the lessons learned here as a foundation for building – or augmenting – your journalism career. If you are a seasoned journalist, think of this as a refresher course on the best way to move forward, to learn new skills and add digital reporting deftness and social media competence to your toolbox. If you are a novice, you’ll learn all this, plus valuable insight on how to write and produce multi-media stories that engage readers and hold their attention.