This course is asynchronous, meaning there are no required live events, and you can complete activities at your own pace throughout each week.

The material is organized into five modules covering various topics through videos, readings, and discussion forums:

Introduction Module: What are LLMs and why should I care? 

Learn the basics of large language models (LLMs) and their impact on journalism. This module covers what LLMs are, how they differ from early chatbots, their benefits for reporting, and the risks of relying on them. You’ll gain a critical perspective on when and how to use AI tools responsibly in journalism.

Module 1: Getting Started with AI Tools 
Gain a foundational understanding of large language models and generative AI—what they can and cannot do, and why they matter in journalism. Learn the key principles of effective prompting, how to avoid common mistakes, and get hands-on practice with real-world journalism examples to build your confidence in using AI tools.

Module 2: Building effective prompts for journalism
Deepen your AI skills with three essential prompting techniques:

• Structured reasoning prompts – Break down complex tasks into clear, actionable steps, particularly for fact-checking and verification.
• Context management – Learn to provide clear, relevant context in prompts to maintain accuracy and consistency across multiple AI-generated responses.
• Template creation – Build reusable prompt templates for common journalistic tasks, optimizing efficiency while maintaining editorial control.

Module 3: Introduction to No-Code Automation
Streamline your workflow by integrating AI tools with no-code automation. Learn:

• The basics of automation and how to connect AI tools with services like Zapier.
• How to build simple automated workflows for tasks like social media scheduling, news alerts, and content organization.
• When automation is beneficial—and when human oversight is essential.
  Includes practical newsroom applications and troubleshooting techniques.

Module 4: AI Image Generation & Ethics
Explore AI-powered visual content creation while addressing ethical concerns. This module covers:

• AI image generation fundamentals – Learn to use tools like DALL-E and Midjourney to generate and edit images responsibly.
• Ethical AI practices – Understand copyright, attribution, bias, and transparency to ensure fair and responsible AI use in journalism.
• Real-world case studies – See how newsrooms are implementing AI while maintaining ethical standards.

Each module features practical exercises, real-world journalism examples, and interactive learning to ensure you can confidently integrate AI tools into your reporting.

The course emphasizes hands-on learning, with students building their own prompts and automated workflows throughout the four weeks. By the end of the course, participants will have created several working examples of both AI prompts and automated workflows that they can implement in their newsrooms.

Register now for free and gain immediate access to the introduction module materials.

If you have any questions, please contact us at journalismcourses@austin.utexas.edu.