{
  "id": "2000-julyaugust-newsroom-training",
  "slug": "2000-julyaugust-newsroom-training",
  "url": "https://dwillis.github.io/uplink/article/2000-julyaugust-newsroom-training.html",
  "year": 2000,
  "month": "July/August",
  "monthNum": 7,
  "headline": "Newsroom training",
  "kicker": "TIPSHEET OF THE MONTH",
  "author_name": "Jennifer LaFleur",
  "author_title": "CAR editor",
  "affiliation": "San Jose Mercury News",
  "summary": "The article outlines different computer-assisted reporting (CAR) training models for newsrooms, including universal training, specialist fellowships, and outside vendors, with practical dos and don'ts for effective implementation.",
  "keywords": [
    "training",
    "journalism",
    "skills"
  ],
  "topics": [
    "Journalism & Newsroom",
    "Investigative Methods",
    "Technology"
  ],
  "technologies": [
    "Internet",
    "spreadsheet"
  ],
  "full_text": "From veteran nerds to those just learning the basics of computer-assisted reporting, we are all in the process of developing better ways to spread these skills throughout our newsrooms. Many models are developing, no single model is the answer. That's why sharing experiences at gatherings such as this is so important.\n\nHere's an outline of some training models and the benefits and drawbacks of each.\n\nThrow it at everyone and see where it sticks\n\nAlmost five years ago, when the San Jose Mercury News first put computers on desktops in the newsroom, we did intensive training in all the basics (Internet, spreadsheets, databases) for everyone.\n\nBenefits:\n\nEveryone gets exposed\nMost basic skills are widespread\nGet a lot of buy-in from the newsroom\n\nDrawbacks:\nA lot of skills spread very thinly\nVery time-consuming\nLess pay-off, training a lot of people to create a few users\n\nThe fellowship/the specialist\n\nThe Post-Dispatch plan requires reporters to apply for a six-week specialist program. They must have a story idea, data and be pulled off their beat to work with the CAR editor. Additionally at the P-D: they are then required to go back and be the CAR coordinator for their team and are part of a larger virtual CAR team.\n\nBenefits:\n\nGreater pay-off\nOther people serve as mentors for their team\nSkills level is more in-depth\n\nDrawbacks:\nDifficult to get team editors to commit\nFewer skills throughout the newsroom\nOthers may feel left out\n\nOutside training\n\nBenefits:\n\n\"Prophet in his own land\" - outsiders are smarter\nBetter commitment from participants\nSomeone else is doing the work\n\nDrawbacks:\nCost\nFollow-up\nSpecialization to your needs - for example, corporate spreadsheet training won't focus on journalism.\n\nDos and Don'ts for training:\n\nTailor the training to the reporters who will be using it. Use data that are relevant to them.\nUse real data that can be used to do real stories.\nDon't train more than 8 people at one time, unless you have a coach.\nDon't train reporters unless they will have access to the same software very soon afterward on which to practice their new skills.\nDon't hold a \"gee whiz\" CAR session if the reporters will not have hands-on training shortly afterward.\nConduct a skills evaluation BEFORE designing the training program.\nDon't train folks with very different skills in the same room.\nDon't train reporters how to use resources that you don't plan to have available.\nStart CAR with some small projects with realistic goals.\nDon't expect too much immediately - everyone needs practice.\nIf you use a commercial vendor, have them model your training around journalism.\nProvide lots of examples of what others have done.\nEncourage lots of questions.\nProvide follow-up with someone to turn to as they set out on their first projects.\nDon't just explain how, explain why and show them the process. Save shortcuts for later.\nUse workbooks they can practice with later.\nEvangelize and find experts.\nDon't make it seem too easy. Don't make it seem too hard.\n\nJennifer LaFleur can be reached by e-mail at jlafleur@postnet.com",
  "provenance": {
    "extracted_by": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-6",
    "extracted_at": "2026-07-05",
    "verified": true
  },
  "similar": [
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      "slug": "2003-septemberoctober-hands-on-car-training-upcoming",
      "score": 0.323
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  "html_url": "https://dwillis.github.io/uplink/article/2000-julyaugust-newsroom-training.html",
  "json_url": "https://dwillis.github.io/uplink/article/2000-julyaugust-newsroom-training.json"
}