Digital Verification/Open-Source Investigation (OSINT)

Learn how to identify and verify misinformation and disinformation through this interactive course

This two-hour course offers an interactive introduction to spotting mis- and disinformation for journalists or anyone in communication roles.

Delegates are placed in charge of an imagined newsroom as a major story breaks on social media. Practice in real-time the core skills of digital verification and open-source investigation, such as corroborating information, geolocating imagery, and spotting AI-generated material.

What you’ll learn

Are you able to locate an image from a single clue in the background? Can you spot the signs that a piece of content has been digitally manipulated? If unproven claims are surfacing online, at what point should you hit publish?

The Digital Verification Skills course teaches open-source investigation skills and tests delegates’ judgement in a live environment, encouraging them to deal with the time-pressured challenges presented as breaking news plays out online.

Learn from experts

This interactive, remotely-delivered course has been designed by journalists with years of experience in fact-checking online information and debunking misinformation.

Sessions are led by experienced journalists with decades of experience in news. As well as taking part in the fun, interactive news scenario, delegates will be taken through the fundamentals of digital verification – melding long-held journalistic principles with techniques enabled by new open-source technologies.

You will leave the course versed not just in new technical skills but also with the confidence to make sound judgement calls when presented with unverified information on social media.

Who the Digital Verification Skills course is for?

This course is for newsroom and communications staff of any level, or anyone with an interest in how to verify online content and tackle misinformation.

This course is primarily offered remotely but can be delivered in person for larger groups on request. Get in touch using the button below to discuss times and dates, as well as how we can tailor it to your needs.

Course Modules

Key Theory

  1. Introduction to mis- and disinformation
  2. Find: how to discover potentially newsworthy content online
  3. Assess: tips for quickly identifying trustworthiness of sources
  4. Corroborate: how to geolocate and cross-reference user-generated content
  5. Take Notes: tips for keeping records of your investigations
  6. Second Opinion: avoid common pitfalls such as confirmation bias
  7. Artificial Intelligence: dealing with the new challenge of AI-generated content

Practical elements

  1. Using online tools
  2. Geolocation exercise to verify images
  3. Timed story/data verification exercise
  4. Decide whether/when to publish a breaking story scenario, considering accuracy, ethics, safety and law

Digital Verification/Open-Source Investigation (OSINT)

Learn how to identify and verify misinformation and disinformation through this interactive course

Get in touch

What our students say

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What a great session we had on Communicating with Impact. Bridgid shared practical techniques to enhance and develop our communications skills so we can present and speak publicly or to senior stakeholders with confidence and impact.  I speak for my whole team in highly recommending Bridgid Nzekwu if you are after effective and fun communication training.

Vodafone
, Group Legal Director, Corporate Commercial & Compliance

The team is flexible, slick, well-resourced and overall simply first class. Their expertise and knowledge have been invaluable. I was delighted with our choice, so I’d have no hesitation in recommending them

Prostate Cancer UK
, Head of External Relations

PA Media Training were efficient, well organised and genuinely lovely people to deal with and, importantly for us, able to provide flexibility around our needs to create the bespoke training we required. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them for further training or to recommend them to other organisations.

Mayor of London’s Press Office
, Head of Media

The small class sizes nurture a comfortable environment where everyone supports and learns from each other. The staff helped me hone in on my writing skills and develop the confidence to feel comfortable on camera.

Camilla Foster
, Reporter
, Newsquest

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Do you wish to train on one of our specialist courses? Start by filling in the application form – we’ll ask you for some important information such as your education and employment history.

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Name*
By submitting this application form you confirm your acceptance that the information you have provided will be used during the recruitment procedure. Once the recruitment procedure is completed, the data will be stored for one year and then destroyed. If you are the successful candidate, relevant information may be taken from this form and used as part of your personnel record.
If you would like to receive regular updates from PA Media Academy, please tick here:
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For more information , simply fill out the form and a member of our team will be in touch.