ROCKPORT — There is so much discussion on all sides and about all forms of media today that it has made it difficult to know what the truth is and whether the media can be trusted, according to Five Town
CSD Adult Ed, in a news release.

In an age of alternative facts, journalists must increasingly learn to find, access, collect and analyze data they can then use to deepen their reporting.

Through an adult ed course taught by Rockland resident Ret Talbot, students will complete hands-on work as a way to better understand how journalists gather their data.

This six-week, project-driven course will expose students to the fundamentals of data journalism, beginning with an overview of what data journalism is and where journalists can find the data they need. Students will then explore and experiment with techniques to collect and analyze data ranging from working with spreadsheets to building simple web scrapers.

Over the course of the semester, each student will report out a story of his or her choice. These stories will focus on traditional reporting techniques (e.g., research, developing sources, field work/interviews) but will be bolstered by data both during the reporting/writing process and also in final presentation.

No previous experience is required in journalism or advanced computer skills. Students should have access to a laptop with both a good word processing program (e.g., Microsoft Word) and spreadsheet program (e.g., Microsoft Excel). All students will also need to have Internet access. Students can bring a laptop to class or use desktop computers available in class.

This class begins Wednesday, April 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Ret Talbot, a freelance journalist and science writer who uses data to cover fisheries at the intersection of science and sustainability. His work can be found in publications such as Discover, National Geographic and Mongabay.

This class and many more are listed with full details in the Five Town CSD Adult Ed brochure and on the website: fivetowns.maineadulted.org.  

Contact Five Town CSD Adult Ed at 236-7800, ext. 5 or adulted@fivetowns.net to register or get more information.

This class is held at Camden Hills Regional High School, 25 Keelson Dr., Rockport.