AJMI - Doha

Al Jazeera Media Institute concluded three intensive training programs in the field of journalism and Artificial Intelligence presented by British expert Glyn Mottershead for thirty-three trainees.

According to trainer Glyn Mottershead, these programs focused on three main aspects of modern journalism: an introduction to artificial intelligence, data journalism, and ethical considerations for using artificial intelligence in media.

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Workshop:

Glyn Mottershead explained that the workshop, which was attended by 13 trainees, was an introduction to talk about artificial intelligence and its applications in journalism.

As it addressed sources of AI problems and how journalists avoid such problems and use these technologies effectively and safely.

The trainer pointed out that the workshop represents a good opportunity for participants to discover how they can employ artificial intelligence in different journalistic fields.

Data Journalism and Artificial Intelligence Course:

 The second course, according to Glyn Mottershead, focused on how journalism uses data and how AI can contribute to amplifying benefit from available data.

The trainer indicated that the course, in which eleven trainees participated, was accompanied by practical exercises, as participants were divided into teams to work on different journalistic projects using artificial intelligence techniques, where advanced tools were used to help journalists collect and analyze data in innovative ways.

Regarding data journalism, various applications of AI, such as data collection and innovative data analysis methods were explained to allow journalists extract required information more accurately and efficiently.

Participants presented examples that illustrate how artificial intelligence can be employed in selecting or generating data, which provides new opportunities for journalists to analyze information and improve accuracy and explorations of information. The course was  positively evaluated from trainers and participants alike, where they stressed the importance of such type of training in developing journalists' skills in addition to preparing them to face media future challenges in the light of rapid technological progress.

Artificial Intelligence Ethics Workshop:

The AI Ethics Workshop, which was attended by eleven participants, focused on ethical and legal issues associated with the use of AI in journalism.

The trainees discussed how to use these tools safely and responsibly, and the importance of developing clear policies to ensure the safety of use that reflects the values and ethics of journalism. This workshop was highly interactive with participants and showed a particular interest in developing strategies that protect them as journalism practitioners in the face of AI challenges.

Glyn Mottershead, a trainer and journalist with more than twenty years of experience in artificial intelligence, specializes in data journalism, workflow management in digital newsrooms, and the integration of artificial intelligence and data analysis into journalism.