Not every college offers CAR knowledge

Many university journalism programs have not adopted computer-assisted reporting education despite its proven benefits, facing obstacles like equipment costs, institutional resistance, and a shortage of qualified instructors.

Despite advances in newsrooms, many university journalism programs have not yet introduced computer-assisted reporting. In a 1993 survey, less than a third taught on-line searching, and even fewer dealt with databases.

Kevin Lee, an assistant communications professor at West Virginia Wesleyan College, conducted a blind survey of more than a dozen experts, asking how to change the situation. The participants included Elliot Jaspin at Cox Newspapers; Penny Loeb at U.S. News & World Report; Steve Ross at Columbia University; and Shawn McIntosh, Dallas Morning News.

The results are that schools would enhance their reputations, and students would be better journalists, if more universities taught computer-assisted reporting. The hurdles include getting and maintaining good equipment, resistance from school officials, and a lack of qualified teachers.