VDJ6000 AI-journalism: Introduction to Python programming Emneplan

This course focuses on the development of basic programming techniques, analytical thinking, comprehension of code, and problem-solving skills achieved through a programming-based approach. It aims to develop basic programming skills relevant for professional use within the realm of journalism.

Language of instruction is English.

None.

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has:

• basic understanding of the operation and capabilities of software
• an understanding of what an algorithm is and the ability to use algorithmic problem-solving to address real-life problems in business and administration
• basic knowledge of the methods used to debug software
• basic knowledge of how processes within the realm of journalism can be automated using software
• insight in how software is written, and an understanding of various types of programming languages and their function in various areas of business and administration.

Skills

The student has acquired an ability to:

• format and write basic code
• explain how problem-solving principles are used in programming
• understand how to frame and elicit unstructured business and/or administration problems to solve them through programming,
• understand the steps required to make software more efficient

General competence

The student is:

• proficient in planning and implementing a project plan for software development for journalism
• able to identify and remediate bugs

The course will take a hands-on learning approach in addition to learning the theoretical concepts behind programming. Course participants will work in groups on a project relevant to journalism.

No coursework requirements or compulsory activities.

The exam in the course will be carried out in groups consisting of 2-5 candidates.

The exam consists of two parts:

1. A portfolio consisting of a project report and a code repository. The exam report must have a scope of 2000 to 3000 words. Font and font size: Arial / Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5.
2. An oral presentation with a scope of 10-15 minutes. Each group will be required to give an oral presentation of their project, including a question-and-answer session with the examiners.

The project report and the code repository counts for 60 % of the final mark and the oral presentation counts for 40 % of the final mark. Each part must be passed to be given a final grade. The oral presentation cannot be appealed.

Students awarded a fail grade are given one opportunity to submit an improved version of the portfolio for assessment.

Only personal notes written in non-digital media will be allowed during the oral exam. All support materials are allowed in the other exams.

Grade scale A-F

The portfolio is assessed by one internal and one external examiner. At least 25% of the exam papers will be assessed by two examiners. At least 25% of the exam papers will be assessed by two examiners. The grades awarded for the papers assessed by two examiners form the basis for determining the level for all the exam papers.

The oral presentation will be assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

Target group

This continuing education course is aimed at students working as journalists.

Admission

Admission requires Higher Education Entrance Qualification to Norwegian Universities, including proficiency in English (generell studiekompetanse). Norwegian language proficiency is not required.

Admissions are conducted in accordance with Regulations relating to Admission to Studies at OsloMet.

Qualified applicants will be admitted continuously until the course is full. Some study places may be reserved for students recruited by or through partners of OsloMet.

The course has 7,5 ECTS of overlapping content towards PROG1000 Introduction to Programming.