The Future of Journalism: How Immersive Technology and Artificial Intelligence Can Shape the News and Impact Audience Opinion

This project will train approximately 80 independent journalists, selected from across India, to build their capacity in immersive media technology tools such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).  Through an integrated series of in-person and virtual workshops and simulations, participants will gain skills and confidence to contribute to the transformation of everyday news media in responsible and impactful ways.

• Build individual capacity for digital media, specifically Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
• Apply new skills to generate immersive AR and VR content on themes of global significance and important to the U.S. – India relationship
• Raise awareness and acuity to identify and combat dis/misinformation in support of press freedom and to counter malign influence and manipulation of the same technologies and tools, especially growing in the region

To meet the goals and objectives of this program, participants will engage in two distinct yet interwoven activity tracks. Keeping in mind necessary flexibility around the continued COVID 19 pandemic, these tracks will be:

Monthly Skill-Building Virtual Training Modules

The foundation for this program will be established by a robust “Digital Media” Course Curriculum, organized into thematic modules, housed on a Canvas online learning platform, and delivered monthly via Zoom webinars and asynchronous trainings. The live sessions will be supplemented by a combination of asynchronous webinars, small group seminars, and other activities.

Mid-program Conclave

As local conditions allow for gathering in person, Meridian intends to coordinate a two-day in-person convening in Kolkata for all active and eligible program participants to allow for more technical training in immersive technology (AR and VR).  The workshop will intentionally be scheduled mid-way through the virtual training program, building on themes covered during the first half of the program and laying a foundation for ongoing sessions during the second half as well as the small group assignments to generate content. The agenda will feature American speaker(s) introduced in the virtual trainings and include opportunities to engage broader Indian audiences, such as local media professionals, to encourage post-program adoption and prioritization of the new skills.