Course Description
This course introduces participants to a variety of new media tools and platforms used in the collection, presentation, verification, and dissemination of information. Participants have the chance to practice using these tools through interactive activities and group work, while learning about cyber-security to protect information and sources.
In crisis areas, quick and informed decision-making can save lives. New web-, mobile-, and internet-based media and information dissemination platforms are constantly evolving, producing increasing amounts of content. The speed with which information is created, published and disseminated keeps increasing. This allows for a multiplicity of perspectives to surface. The challenge for experts working in civilian crisis management is finding a way to filter the information and determine what is relevant with the overload of information, and further, to communicate that effectively to the right people in an efficient manner.
Additionally, new tools are being developed to help experts visualize data in a clear way, so that it can be easily shared, interpreted, and understood by different users. It is therefore vital that experts working in crisis areas are aware of these tools and know how to apply them to their work.
This course was designed jointly by the ICT4Peace Foundation and ZIF, based in Berlin, to introduce its participants to a variety of digital media tools and platforms used in crisis contexts. During the training programme, participants are guided through the various phases of crisis information management, spanning from the collection, validation, analysis, visualization to the dissemination of information. In addition, they have the chance to practice using these tools through interactive activities and group work, while learning also about cyber-security to protect information and sources. The course language is English.
The curriculum of this course is ENTRi (Europe’s New Training Initiative for Civilian Crisis Management) certified.
Learning Objectives
The learning objectives for this training are:
- To be able to use new media tools to collect, analyze, present, verify and disseminate information;
- To understand the impact new and web-based social media have on civilian crisis management;
- To communicate and share information in a secure manner;
- To be aware of the added complexities that have arisen and are arising through the increased use of new media;
- To understand the nature of big and open data on the web and internet, and how this information can be useful in crisis response and mitigation;
- To gain an understanding of Crisis Information Management systems.
Course Modules
- Introduction to New Media in Crisis
- Information Management in Civilian Crisis Management
- OS-INT & Big Data
- Data Visualisation & Visualisation Tools
- Tools for Collaboration: Creating & Using Wikis
- New Cartographies & Mapping Tools
- Source Verification in the Digital Age
- Security in the Digital Domain
- Data Protection
Course Audience
This course is geared towards experts and future practitioners in the area of information management and analysis, monitoring, and reporting, strategic communication and public information. The course curriculum is designed to suit the needs of various actors working in civilian crisis management for organisations such as the European Union (CSDP missions), the United Nations (UN), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the African Union (AU), as well as staff members of other international governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Course Dates
This course takes place from 11. to 15. April 2016. Participants shall arrive in Stans – Oberdorf (Switzerland) in the morning of 11. April 2016.
Venue
The New Media: Tools and Techniques for Civilian Crisis Management course will take place at the SWISSINT Training Center in Stans – Oberdorf in Switzerland.
Course Fee
700.00 CHF for external applicants
150.00 CHF for members of the ZIF Expert Roster
The course fee covers the cost of accommodation and food during the training, and the transport to/from the airport in Zurich and the training site. The course program is designed to include informal evening events. You are therefore recommended to stay at the course site. The course fee will not be reduced if you choose not to stay at the official training location. Insurance and travel costs are not included in the course fee and will not be reimbursed.
Neither the ICT4Peace Foundation nor ZIF offers scholarships.
Application Process
Please apply for this course by clicking on the ‘Apply Now’ button on the top right side of this webpage and following the directions that best match your profile. If the application deadline has passed, please contact the ZIF contact person for this course directly.
The application deadline is 26 February 2016.
Read the report from the first cohort of participants in 2014, and the second cohort in 2015.