Saturday, April 29, 2006
Training programme for 30 Ghanaian journalists ends in Accra
Training programme for 30 Ghanaian journalists ends in Accra
“This is the greatest push I have had with regards to training since leaving Journalism School” was how Mr. Sepenyo Dzokoto, Ghana News Agency’s Ho reporter summed up a three-day training workshop in Accra.
Organized by the International Institute of ICT Journalism (PenPlusBytes), www.penplusbytes.net, the workshop counter-funded by the French Embassy in Ghana, aimed at improving the level of journalism in Ghana using Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) as tools.
The workshop took 30 participants from online, radio, TV and print media through key subjects including Introduction to ICT Journalism, Knowledge Management for the Media, Online Journalism, ICT and Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D).
Participants also had practical sessions on online research, voice and video online streaming, blogging (see a list of group blogs at http://ghajict.blogspot.com/) and Content Management System (CMS). A direct output of workshop is the production of an ICT news paper called Bantaba (http://www.penplusbytes.net) which gave the participants from the print media a unique opportunity to polish their skills on writing ICT articles as other participants from online, radio and TV undertook productions.
At end of the workshop participants committed to form a network to facilitate networking and knowledge sharing among Ghanaian journalists interested in ICT Journalism.
At the formal launch, the French Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Pierre Jacquemot noted that ICTs have become a powerful means of social change and economic development around the world. It is thus critical, Mr. Jacquemot added, for local journalists to acquire knowledge of trends and developments in ICTs to improve the quality of their work and to help accelerate Ghana’s development as well as its integration into the global Information Society.
Mr. D.A. Kwapong, Acting Director, Ministry of Information, who spoke on behalf of the Minister said, “the globalized world demands that the journalist is a leader in Information Society issues. It is in this light that I consider this course as invaluable. It also confirms the
complementarity of private sector initiatives to the achievements of one of the three policy areas of government – Human Resource Development.”
Also present at the opening ceremony were Ms. Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, out-going President of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Kwami Ahiabenu II, President of PenPlusBytes and Mr. Ibrahim Inusah, co-ordinator of Ghana Information Network for Knowledge Sharing (GINKS) workshop co-sponsor.
Ends
“This is the greatest push I have had with regards to training since leaving Journalism School” was how Mr. Sepenyo Dzokoto, Ghana News Agency’s Ho reporter summed up a three-day training workshop in Accra.
Organized by the International Institute of ICT Journalism (PenPlusBytes), www.penplusbytes.net, the workshop counter-funded by the French Embassy in Ghana, aimed at improving the level of journalism in Ghana using Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) as tools.
The workshop took 30 participants from online, radio, TV and print media through key subjects including Introduction to ICT Journalism, Knowledge Management for the Media, Online Journalism, ICT and Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D).
Participants also had practical sessions on online research, voice and video online streaming, blogging (see a list of group blogs at http://ghajict.blogspot.com/) and Content Management System (CMS). A direct output of workshop is the production of an ICT news paper called Bantaba (http://www.penplusbytes.net) which gave the participants from the print media a unique opportunity to polish their skills on writing ICT articles as other participants from online, radio and TV undertook productions.
At end of the workshop participants committed to form a network to facilitate networking and knowledge sharing among Ghanaian journalists interested in ICT Journalism.
At the formal launch, the French Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Pierre Jacquemot noted that ICTs have become a powerful means of social change and economic development around the world. It is thus critical, Mr. Jacquemot added, for local journalists to acquire knowledge of trends and developments in ICTs to improve the quality of their work and to help accelerate Ghana’s development as well as its integration into the global Information Society.
Mr. D.A. Kwapong, Acting Director, Ministry of Information, who spoke on behalf of the Minister said, “the globalized world demands that the journalist is a leader in Information Society issues. It is in this light that I consider this course as invaluable. It also confirms the
complementarity of private sector initiatives to the achievements of one of the three policy areas of government – Human Resource Development.”
Also present at the opening ceremony were Ms. Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, out-going President of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Kwami Ahiabenu II, President of PenPlusBytes and Mr. Ibrahim Inusah, co-ordinator of Ghana Information Network for Knowledge Sharing (GINKS) workshop co-sponsor.
Ends
Rave Reviews- Training Ghanaian Journalists for the Information Society Workshop
Rave Reviews- Training Ghanaian Journalists for the Information Society Workshop
What Participants said about the workshop :
Value-laden workshop: culminated in giving me a website
T.T.Wubonto, Ghana Community Radio Network.
This is the greatest push I have had with regards to training since leaving Journalism School
Sepenyo Dzokoto, Ghana News Agency
The seminar has been an eye opener for me. I hope to use the knowledge gained to enhance my work. God bless the Organisers
Mawutodzi Kodzo Abissath, www.ghana.gov.gh
I am very much impressed about the workshop, it lifted my knowledge base of ICT in a varied way. Good, resourceful and revealing.
Henry Malm, TV3
This is the best trainig I have ever had. It is very helpful to me and I wish it could be extended to other journalists as well; to enhance the level of journalism.
Thanks to PenPlusBytes
Seth Addi, Evening Tribune
I have learnt how to fish Thanx
Ruby Amable
What a way to enhance capacities of Ghanaian Journalists in ICTs. The workshop was very practical in terms of hands on trials. I have learnt new stuffs in blogging, wiki and podcasting. My fellow journalists would surely benefit from me when I go back.
Enoch D Frimpong, Daily Graphic
Educative, Interactive and of immerse benefit to me
T.A Boahene,
Refreshing
Emily Narko, Ghana News Agency
The workshop was practical and dynamic
Veronica Kwabla, TV Africa
I have obtained more than a great insight inot how ICTs can practically be used to facilitate journalism
E.K. Bensah II Third World Network
I have learnt how to blog and to use search engines to research, upload files and video
Vida Ampofo, myjoyonline.com
Workshop was full of activities and fun. I am impressed
Kofi
I really love the blogging component
Mavis Mensah, Freelance
Very useful
Yaw Owusu William, Ghanaian Times
Found the workshop to be very eduacativ. I have learnt how to :
-research online
- post pixs online
- create my own blog
Nana Appiah, Vibe FM
I have been taught to fish but not to each fish
Activities are very inspiring and encouraging
Emmanuel, Radio Ada and Ghana Community Radio Network
What Participants said about the workshop :
Value-laden workshop: culminated in giving me a website
T.T.Wubonto, Ghana Community Radio Network.
This is the greatest push I have had with regards to training since leaving Journalism School
Sepenyo Dzokoto, Ghana News Agency
The seminar has been an eye opener for me. I hope to use the knowledge gained to enhance my work. God bless the Organisers
Mawutodzi Kodzo Abissath, www.ghana.gov.gh
I am very much impressed about the workshop, it lifted my knowledge base of ICT in a varied way. Good, resourceful and revealing.
Henry Malm, TV3
This is the best trainig I have ever had. It is very helpful to me and I wish it could be extended to other journalists as well; to enhance the level of journalism.
Thanks to PenPlusBytes
Seth Addi, Evening Tribune
I have learnt how to fish Thanx
Ruby Amable
What a way to enhance capacities of Ghanaian Journalists in ICTs. The workshop was very practical in terms of hands on trials. I have learnt new stuffs in blogging, wiki and podcasting. My fellow journalists would surely benefit from me when I go back.
Enoch D Frimpong, Daily Graphic
Educative, Interactive and of immerse benefit to me
T.A Boahene,
Refreshing
Emily Narko, Ghana News Agency
The workshop was practical and dynamic
Veronica Kwabla, TV Africa
I have obtained more than a great insight inot how ICTs can practically be used to facilitate journalism
E.K. Bensah II Third World Network
I have learnt how to blog and to use search engines to research, upload files and video
Vida Ampofo, myjoyonline.com
Workshop was full of activities and fun. I am impressed
Kofi
I really love the blogging component
Mavis Mensah, Freelance
Very useful
Yaw Owusu William, Ghanaian Times
Found the workshop to be very eduacativ. I have learnt how to :
-research online
- post pixs online
- create my own blog
Nana Appiah, Vibe FM
I have been taught to fish but not to each fish
Activities are very inspiring and encouraging
Emmanuel, Radio Ada and Ghana Community Radio Network
Friday, April 28, 2006
ICT, Vital Tool For Journalists
ICT, Vital Tool For Journalists
By Yaw Owusu
Friday, 28 April 2006
INFORMATION and Communications Technology (ICT) expertise is a must for everybody in journalism, says Ms Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, outgoing President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
She said that once ICT had become a driving force in every country’s development, journalists need to be equipped with the requisite knowledge to be able to explain ICT issues more appropriately to the public.
Ms Yeboah-Afari was speaking at the opening of a three-day ICT workshop for about 40 journalists in Accra on Wednesday.
It was organized by International Institute of ICT Journalism Penplusbytes and sponsored by the French Embassywith the aim of building the capacity of journalists in the use of new media technology to improve the quality of journalism and also to enable them to understand and report on ICT policy issues.
Ms Yeboah-Afari said in most cases, media houses had made the training of journalists on ICT issues their priority but lack of funds hindered the effort.
She said the GJA will therefore welcome any effort to use journalists to help in the development of ICT, noting that a well-equipped modern newsroom makes it easier for the practice of the profession to grow.
The French Ambassador Pierre Jacquemot, said the media in Ghana had a crucial role to play in the development of ICT which had become a powerful means for change and “the media cannot help in the promotion without funds and support.”
He promised that the French government would collaborate with other organizations to develop ICT in Ghana.
Mr D.A. Kwapong, Chief Director of the Ministry of Information, who spoke on behalf of the Minister, said: “ICT is a priority area of government’s policy and any effort to develop it will be appreciated.”
He said currently, government could not continue to rely solely on cocoa and gold for development and was exploring the potential that ICT had.
Mr Kwame Ahiabenu, President of Penplusbytes said the workshop would help journalists to use ICT to improve the level of journalism for accelerated growth and development.
SOURCE
http://www.newtimesonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2588&Itemid=181
By Yaw Owusu
Friday, 28 April 2006
INFORMATION and Communications Technology (ICT) expertise is a must for everybody in journalism, says Ms Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, outgoing President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
She said that once ICT had become a driving force in every country’s development, journalists need to be equipped with the requisite knowledge to be able to explain ICT issues more appropriately to the public.
Ms Yeboah-Afari was speaking at the opening of a three-day ICT workshop for about 40 journalists in Accra on Wednesday.
It was organized by International Institute of ICT Journalism Penplusbytes and sponsored by the French Embassywith the aim of building the capacity of journalists in the use of new media technology to improve the quality of journalism and also to enable them to understand and report on ICT policy issues.
Ms Yeboah-Afari said in most cases, media houses had made the training of journalists on ICT issues their priority but lack of funds hindered the effort.
She said the GJA will therefore welcome any effort to use journalists to help in the development of ICT, noting that a well-equipped modern newsroom makes it easier for the practice of the profession to grow.
The French Ambassador Pierre Jacquemot, said the media in Ghana had a crucial role to play in the development of ICT which had become a powerful means for change and “the media cannot help in the promotion without funds and support.”
He promised that the French government would collaborate with other organizations to develop ICT in Ghana.
Mr D.A. Kwapong, Chief Director of the Ministry of Information, who spoke on behalf of the Minister, said: “ICT is a priority area of government’s policy and any effort to develop it will be appreciated.”
He said currently, government could not continue to rely solely on cocoa and gold for development and was exploring the potential that ICT had.
Mr Kwame Ahiabenu, President of Penplusbytes said the workshop would help journalists to use ICT to improve the level of journalism for accelerated growth and development.
SOURCE
http://www.newtimesonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2588&Itemid=181
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Thirty Ghanaian journalists attend ICT training programme in Accra
PRESS RELEASE
Thirty Ghanaian journalists attend
ICT training programme in Accra
A three-day training workshop to improve the capacity of Ghanaian journalists on Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) is currently underway in Accra.
The International Institute of ICT Journalism’s (PenPlusBytes’) training programme is designed to introduce the journalists to new ICT tools and make maximum use of the tools that local media practitioners are already familiar with.
Launching the workshop themed ‘Training Ghanaian Journalists for the Information Society’, the French Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Pierre Jacquemot, said ICTs have become a powerful means of development and social change for the economic and social development of the world.
It is thus critical, Mr. Jacquemot added, for local journalists to acquire knowledge of trends and developments in ICTs to improve the quality of their work and to help accelerate Ghana’s development as well as its integration into the global Information Society.
The course is being attended by 30 print and electronic journalists from all over Ghana.
The course outline for the programme which started on Wednesday, April 26 includes topics such as ‘Ghana’s ICT for Accelerated Development Policy’, ‘Knowledge Management for the Media’, ‘Afrocentric Content on the Internet’ and ‘ICT Journalism’.
Ms Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, out-going President of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) said the training programme was timely because many of the country’s media houses have prioritized ICT development and staff training but are hampered by a lack of the necessary resources including funds.
Ms Yeboah-Afari also noted that the national desire for accelerated development and its achievement is intricately linked to how well journalists understand and use these technologies in their work. “If we are to quicken the pace of our country’s development then we need to build the capacity of Ghanaian journalists in this very important sector (ICT)”.
Mr. D.A. Kwapong, Acting Director, Ministry of Information, speaking on behalf of the Minister said, “the globalized world demands that the journalist is a leader in Information Society issues. It is in this light that I consider this course as invaluable. It also confirms the complementarity of private sector initiatives to the achievements of one of the three policy areas of government – Human Resource Development.”
Indeed, although Ghana is one of the most wired countries in Africa, there is a noticeable low use of new media technologies and poor reporting of ICTs in general. Presently not all Ghanaian media houses are connected to the internet for example. Even those connected are under-utilizing the ICTs to enhance their work.
Mr. Kwami Ahiabenu II, the president of PenPlusBytes, expressed the hope that participants will acquire new essential tools and skills to improve the quality, content and the relevance of their work to the public.
The Accra workshop is being sponsored by the French Embassy in Ghana and Ghana Information Network for knowledge Sharing. The training programme for journalists is the sixth of such training courses designed and delivered by PenPlusBytes across sub-Saharan Africa over the last three years.
PenPlusBytes is currently pioneering the first ever online course on ‘Introduction to ICT Journalism’ in Africa. 43 journalists are from nine countries spread across three continents (Africa, Asia and Europe) are attending the eight week course which started on March 20, 2006.
In 2005 PenPluBytes organized two regional training programmes for journalists in West Africa and East Africa. The West Africa regional programme in January 2005 attracted sixteen (16) participants from seven countries including Ghana. The rest were Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia and Togo.
The East African training programme held in Nairobi, Kenya, from June 25-26 attracted seventeen (17) participants from the region.
ends
Thirty Ghanaian journalists attend
ICT training programme in Accra
A three-day training workshop to improve the capacity of Ghanaian journalists on Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) is currently underway in Accra.
The International Institute of ICT Journalism’s (PenPlusBytes’) training programme is designed to introduce the journalists to new ICT tools and make maximum use of the tools that local media practitioners are already familiar with.
Launching the workshop themed ‘Training Ghanaian Journalists for the Information Society’, the French Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Pierre Jacquemot, said ICTs have become a powerful means of development and social change for the economic and social development of the world.
It is thus critical, Mr. Jacquemot added, for local journalists to acquire knowledge of trends and developments in ICTs to improve the quality of their work and to help accelerate Ghana’s development as well as its integration into the global Information Society.
The course is being attended by 30 print and electronic journalists from all over Ghana.
The course outline for the programme which started on Wednesday, April 26 includes topics such as ‘Ghana’s ICT for Accelerated Development Policy’, ‘Knowledge Management for the Media’, ‘Afrocentric Content on the Internet’ and ‘ICT Journalism’.
Ms Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, out-going President of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) said the training programme was timely because many of the country’s media houses have prioritized ICT development and staff training but are hampered by a lack of the necessary resources including funds.
Ms Yeboah-Afari also noted that the national desire for accelerated development and its achievement is intricately linked to how well journalists understand and use these technologies in their work. “If we are to quicken the pace of our country’s development then we need to build the capacity of Ghanaian journalists in this very important sector (ICT)”.
Mr. D.A. Kwapong, Acting Director, Ministry of Information, speaking on behalf of the Minister said, “the globalized world demands that the journalist is a leader in Information Society issues. It is in this light that I consider this course as invaluable. It also confirms the complementarity of private sector initiatives to the achievements of one of the three policy areas of government – Human Resource Development.”
Indeed, although Ghana is one of the most wired countries in Africa, there is a noticeable low use of new media technologies and poor reporting of ICTs in general. Presently not all Ghanaian media houses are connected to the internet for example. Even those connected are under-utilizing the ICTs to enhance their work.
Mr. Kwami Ahiabenu II, the president of PenPlusBytes, expressed the hope that participants will acquire new essential tools and skills to improve the quality, content and the relevance of their work to the public.
The Accra workshop is being sponsored by the French Embassy in Ghana and Ghana Information Network for knowledge Sharing. The training programme for journalists is the sixth of such training courses designed and delivered by PenPlusBytes across sub-Saharan Africa over the last three years.
PenPlusBytes is currently pioneering the first ever online course on ‘Introduction to ICT Journalism’ in Africa. 43 journalists are from nine countries spread across three continents (Africa, Asia and Europe) are attending the eight week course which started on March 20, 2006.
In 2005 PenPluBytes organized two regional training programmes for journalists in West Africa and East Africa. The West Africa regional programme in January 2005 attracted sixteen (16) participants from seven countries including Ghana. The rest were Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia and Togo.
The East African training programme held in Nairobi, Kenya, from June 25-26 attracted seventeen (17) participants from the region.
ends
Monday, April 24, 2006
Training Journalists in Ghana for the Information Society
Training Journalists in Ghana on the Information Society
Ghana has identified Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as an important tool for accelerated development. Towards this end, it designed an ICT for Accelerated Development (ICT4AD) Policy document, currently at its implementation stage, clearly articulates the vision of improving the quality of life of the people of Ghana and the modernization of the economy through the use of ICT. The main strategy for achieving this vision is to transform Ghana into an information and knowledge driven ICT literate nation.
This noble vision however requires that all sectors of the Ghanaian society be trained in the use and benefits of ICT for their individual lives. Journalists as the fourth estate of government therefore require special attention and more intensive training in the use and benefits of ICT for their work and national development. They also more importantly as gatekeepers of society and watchdogs of government need to understand policy issues surrounding ICT both at the global as well as at the regional and national level.
There is therefore an urgent need to train Ghanaian journalists in the area of Information and Communication Technologies. The International Institute for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Journalism- Penplusbytes with support from the French Embassy in Ghana and GINKS is organizing a three day training workshop for thirty journalists from most regions of Ghana working in the print, electronic and online media. The workshop is designed to serve as a knowledge sharing platform for the media to understand key issues in the Information Society, New Medias impact in the newsroom; and provide an opportunity for the media players to develop new practical skills in using specific ICTs tools in the newsroom. Participants are expected to publish an ICT newspaper as an output of the workshop.
Kwami Ahiabenu, II the President of the International Institute for ICT Journalism said By focusing on these issues during this practical training workshop, we are filling an important gap in the implementation of ICT policy in Ghana while at the same time ensuring Journalists can learn about new technologies which they can apply in newsroom day to day operations.
The workshop is scheduled to take place from Wednesday 26th April to Friday 28th April at Busy Internet in Accra under the theme Training Ghanaians Journalists for the Information Society and it is expected to addressed by the His Excellency the French Ambassador to Ghana, Hon. Minister of Information and The President of Ghana Journalists Association.
Editor notes.
1. International Institute for Information and Communicating Technologies(PenPlusBytes) www.penplusbytes.net.
2. The French Embassy in Ghana www.ambafrance-gh.org.
3. Ghana Information Network for Knowledge Sharing www.ginks.org
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Training Journalists in Ghana on the Information Society
Ghana has identified Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as an important tool for accelerated development. Towards this end, it designed an ICT for Accelerated Development (ICT4AD) Policy document, currently at its implementation stage, clearly articulates the vision of improving the quality of life of the people of Ghana and the modernization of the economy through the use of ICT. The main strategy for achieving this vision is to transform Ghana into an information and knowledge driven ICT literate nation.
This noble vision however requires that all sectors of the Ghanaian society be trained in the use and benefits of ICT for their individual lives. Journalists as the fourth estate of government therefore require special attention and more intensive training in the use and benefits of ICT for their work and national development. They also more importantly as gatekeepers of society and watchdogs of government need to understand policy issues surrounding ICT both at the global as well as at the regional and national level.
There is therefore an urgent need to train Ghanaian journalists in the area of Information and Communication Technologies. The International Institute for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Journalism- Penplusbytes with support from the French Embassy in Ghana and GINKS is organizing a three day training workshop for thirty journalists from most regions of Ghana working in the print, electronic and online media. The workshop is designed to serve as a knowledge sharing platform for the media to understand key issues in the Information Society, New Medias impact in the newsroom; and provide an opportunity for the media players to develop new practical skills in using specific ICTs tools in the newsroom. Participants are expected to publish an ICT newspaper as an output of the workshop.
Kwami Ahiabenu, II the President of the International Institute for ICT Journalism said By focusing on these issues during this practical training workshop, we are filling an important gap in the implementation of ICT policy in Ghana while at the same time ensuring Journalists can learn about new technologies which they can apply in newsroom day to day operations.
The workshop is scheduled to take place from Wednesday 26th April to Friday 28th April at Busy Internet in Accra under the theme Training Ghanaians Journalists for the Information Society and it is expected to addressed by the His Excellency the French Ambassador to Ghana, Hon. Minister of Information and The President of Ghana Journalists Association.
Editor notes.
1. International Institute for Information and Communicating Technologies(PenPlusBytes) www.penplusbytes.net.
2. The French Embassy in Ghana www.ambafrance-gh.org.
3. Ghana Information Network for Knowledge Sharing ginks.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Training Ghanaians Journalists for the Information Society
Training Workshop
26th to 28th h April 2006
Venue:
Busy Internet, Accra-Ghana
Theme: Training Ghanaians Journalists for the Information Society
Introduction
Ghana is a country on a path towards accelerated development. The State through the government has identified Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as an important component for the attainment of accelerated growth. The ICT for Accelerated Development (ICT4AD) Policy document, which is the guiding framework for the implementation of ICTs in Ghana, therefore clearly articulates the vision of improving the quality of life of the people of Ghana and the modernisation of the economy through the use of ICTs. The main strategy for achieving this vision is to transform Ghana into an information and knowledge driven ICT literate nation1.
This noble vision however requires that all sectors of the Ghanaian society be trained in the use and benefits of ICTs for their individual lives. Journalists as the ‘fourth estate of government’ therefore require special attention and more intensive training in the use and benefits of ICTs for their work and national development. They also more importantly as gatekeepers of society and watchdogs of government need to understand policy issues surrounding ICTs both at the global as well as at the regional and national level.
Unfortunately not a lot of attention has been focused on building the capacity of Ghanaian journalists in this very important new and emerging sector of the Ghanaian economy. The result is that there is very low use of new media technologies by the media and also poor reporting of ICTs in general.. In a report published by United Nations Commission for (UNECA)2, it was found that there is an inherent weakness in ICTs reporting which is characterized by verbatim reporting, with little attempt made at interpretation, critique or analysis. Furthermore the study shows there is lack access and use of ICT tools in the newsroom as well.
The same report observed that Ghanaian editors even though they considered ICT issues to be important, did not have the in-house competence to report adequately on developments.
Also Journalism around the world today has moved from the use of simple desktop applications such as MS Word to the WWW3 and its amazing opportunities. Internet research is an integral part of journalism today; new technologies such as blogging and podcasting are also catching on in the media world. Yet online journalism is still in its embryonic stages in Ghana. Most media houses do not have up to date online presence and those that do have, are not using universal online journalism styles and ethics.
There is therefore a need for a major transformation of the Ghanaian journalists in his/her training and attitude towards using new media technology. In this direction, PenPlusBytes in conjunction with French Embassy in Ghana is organizing a three day workshop for the media.
This workshop therefore seeks to address two key challenges:
1. The ability to use new media technology to improve the quality of journalism in Ghana
2. The ability of journalists to understand and report on ICT policy issues in Ghana
Objectives
To provide knowledge sharing platform for the media to understand key issues in the Information Society.
Understand and review New Media and its impact in the newsroom
Provide an opportunity for the media players to develop new practical skills in using specific ICTs tools in the newsroom.
To equip Ghanaian journalists to challenge ICT policy implementation process in Ghana
Methodology
This workshop will be delivered using a combination of presentations, group discussions, brainstorming, course work and practical work. Emphasis will be on covering the key issues and debates raging in the ICT sector in Ghana, Africa and world and providing specific online skills to journalists in order for them to research, generate, manage and publish content online. Well-known experts and invited resource persons will deliver the sessions. A course manual will be designed by Penplusbytes to facilitate the workshop. This manual will cover all the issues to be discussed at the workshop and will act as a reference material to journalists in the course of their work.
________________
Course Programme
Day One – 26th April Wednesday 2006
Opening Ceremony for all participants:
- Welcome remarks
- Purpose of seminar
- Keynote addresses – French Ambassador to Ghana
- Self-Introduction and expectations by participants
Session One: Implications of information society developments
Serves to introduce the course and updates participants with latest trends and development in key areas such as ICTs, Internet Governance, National ICTs Policy, Information Society, digital divide, the Internet, media and ICTs Convergence. Special focus shall be placed on Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) by examining threats and challenges facing ICTs in context of development.
Session Two: Introduction to ICT Journalism
This session introduces the concepts and theories of the ICTs Journalism, how ICTs are changing the face of Journalism and how Journalists can map out strategies to cope with exigencies of ICT journalism. The session concludes with a look at various ICTs tool such as internet, wiki, content management system, weblogs, podcasting, newsroom work flow systems, intranet are put in practical use in newsroom.
Session Three: Knowledge Management for the Media:
For any newsroom to use tools such as ICTs effectively, it must put in place an effective knowledge management system. In order to produce better stories, the newsroom must build a knowledge management system designed to reduce costs and increase access to shared information thus enhancing its output. This session serves to introduce the concepts of knowledge management with the objective of ensuring all team members in the newsroom are connected in a way that would enable them categorise, retained and share knowledge.
DAY TWO – 27th Thursday April 2006
Session Four - Re-cap of Day 1 (clarification of concepts)
Session Five: Online Journalism
Online Journalism can be defined as the reporting and publishing content mostly through online means basically the internet. During this session we shall take a look the history of online journalism, types of online journalisms, online journalism in practice and the future of online journalism.
Session Six: Practical
Group Work, Discussion & Group Presentation
DAY THREE- 28th Friday April 2006
Session Seven: Re-cap of Day 1 (clarification of concepts)
Session Eight: Online Journalism –blogs and Content Management Systems (CMS)
This session builds on Online Journalism with particular focus on how participants can design blogs and how CMS can help in regular website updating.
Session Nine: Practical - Online Research using the Internet
This session serves to give the participants an opportunity to use the Internet in researching stories and publishing online.
Session Ten -Closing Session
- Workshop evaluation and report
Are you interested in this course?
send mail to info AT penplusbytes.net (replace AT with @)
Ends
1The Ghana ICT4AD Policy, 2003. Strategy ‘A’ under broad objectives for achieving the ICT4AD missions.
2African Media and ICT4D:Documentary Evidence. A Baseline Study on the State of Media Reporting on ICT and Information Society Issues in Africa. UNECA&OSIWA 2003
3MSWORD for Microsoft Word application and WWW for the World Wide Web
26th to 28th h April 2006
Venue:
Busy Internet, Accra-Ghana
Theme: Training Ghanaians Journalists for the Information Society
Introduction
Ghana is a country on a path towards accelerated development. The State through the government has identified Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) as an important component for the attainment of accelerated growth. The ICT for Accelerated Development (ICT4AD) Policy document, which is the guiding framework for the implementation of ICTs in Ghana, therefore clearly articulates the vision of improving the quality of life of the people of Ghana and the modernisation of the economy through the use of ICTs. The main strategy for achieving this vision is to transform Ghana into an information and knowledge driven ICT literate nation1.
This noble vision however requires that all sectors of the Ghanaian society be trained in the use and benefits of ICTs for their individual lives. Journalists as the ‘fourth estate of government’ therefore require special attention and more intensive training in the use and benefits of ICTs for their work and national development. They also more importantly as gatekeepers of society and watchdogs of government need to understand policy issues surrounding ICTs both at the global as well as at the regional and national level.
Unfortunately not a lot of attention has been focused on building the capacity of Ghanaian journalists in this very important new and emerging sector of the Ghanaian economy. The result is that there is very low use of new media technologies by the media and also poor reporting of ICTs in general.. In a report published by United Nations Commission for (UNECA)2, it was found that there is an inherent weakness in ICTs reporting which is characterized by verbatim reporting, with little attempt made at interpretation, critique or analysis. Furthermore the study shows there is lack access and use of ICT tools in the newsroom as well.
The same report observed that Ghanaian editors even though they considered ICT issues to be important, did not have the in-house competence to report adequately on developments.
Also Journalism around the world today has moved from the use of simple desktop applications such as MS Word to the WWW3 and its amazing opportunities. Internet research is an integral part of journalism today; new technologies such as blogging and podcasting are also catching on in the media world. Yet online journalism is still in its embryonic stages in Ghana. Most media houses do not have up to date online presence and those that do have, are not using universal online journalism styles and ethics.
There is therefore a need for a major transformation of the Ghanaian journalists in his/her training and attitude towards using new media technology. In this direction, PenPlusBytes in conjunction with French Embassy in Ghana is organizing a three day workshop for the media.
This workshop therefore seeks to address two key challenges:
1. The ability to use new media technology to improve the quality of journalism in Ghana
2. The ability of journalists to understand and report on ICT policy issues in Ghana
Objectives
To provide knowledge sharing platform for the media to understand key issues in the Information Society.
Understand and review New Media and its impact in the newsroom
Provide an opportunity for the media players to develop new practical skills in using specific ICTs tools in the newsroom.
To equip Ghanaian journalists to challenge ICT policy implementation process in Ghana
Methodology
This workshop will be delivered using a combination of presentations, group discussions, brainstorming, course work and practical work. Emphasis will be on covering the key issues and debates raging in the ICT sector in Ghana, Africa and world and providing specific online skills to journalists in order for them to research, generate, manage and publish content online. Well-known experts and invited resource persons will deliver the sessions. A course manual will be designed by Penplusbytes to facilitate the workshop. This manual will cover all the issues to be discussed at the workshop and will act as a reference material to journalists in the course of their work.
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Course Programme
Day One – 26th April Wednesday 2006
Opening Ceremony for all participants:
- Welcome remarks
- Purpose of seminar
- Keynote addresses – French Ambassador to Ghana
- Self-Introduction and expectations by participants
Session One: Implications of information society developments
Serves to introduce the course and updates participants with latest trends and development in key areas such as ICTs, Internet Governance, National ICTs Policy, Information Society, digital divide, the Internet, media and ICTs Convergence. Special focus shall be placed on Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) by examining threats and challenges facing ICTs in context of development.
Session Two: Introduction to ICT Journalism
This session introduces the concepts and theories of the ICTs Journalism, how ICTs are changing the face of Journalism and how Journalists can map out strategies to cope with exigencies of ICT journalism. The session concludes with a look at various ICTs tool such as internet, wiki, content management system, weblogs, podcasting, newsroom work flow systems, intranet are put in practical use in newsroom.
Session Three: Knowledge Management for the Media:
For any newsroom to use tools such as ICTs effectively, it must put in place an effective knowledge management system. In order to produce better stories, the newsroom must build a knowledge management system designed to reduce costs and increase access to shared information thus enhancing its output. This session serves to introduce the concepts of knowledge management with the objective of ensuring all team members in the newsroom are connected in a way that would enable them categorise, retained and share knowledge.
DAY TWO – 27th Thursday April 2006
Session Four - Re-cap of Day 1 (clarification of concepts)
Session Five: Online Journalism
Online Journalism can be defined as the reporting and publishing content mostly through online means basically the internet. During this session we shall take a look the history of online journalism, types of online journalisms, online journalism in practice and the future of online journalism.
Session Six: Practical
Group Work, Discussion & Group Presentation
DAY THREE- 28th Friday April 2006
Session Seven: Re-cap of Day 1 (clarification of concepts)
Session Eight: Online Journalism –blogs and Content Management Systems (CMS)
This session builds on Online Journalism with particular focus on how participants can design blogs and how CMS can help in regular website updating.
Session Nine: Practical - Online Research using the Internet
This session serves to give the participants an opportunity to use the Internet in researching stories and publishing online.
Session Ten -Closing Session
- Workshop evaluation and report
Are you interested in this course?
send mail to info AT penplusbytes.net (replace AT with @)
Ends
1The Ghana ICT4AD Policy, 2003. Strategy ‘A’ under broad objectives for achieving the ICT4AD missions.
2African Media and ICT4D:Documentary Evidence. A Baseline Study on the State of Media Reporting on ICT and Information Society Issues in Africa. UNECA&OSIWA 2003
3MSWORD for Microsoft Word application and WWW for the World Wide Web
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