Special online course on digital storytelling for Latinx journalists attracts students from across the U.S. and is now available as a self-directed course

More than 250 Latinx college and university students from the United States registered for a free online course from the Knight Center to help them grow as digital storytellers.

“Digital storytelling for the next generation of Latinx journalists,” a free online course offered in collaboration with Microsoft, ran from June 20 to July 17, 2022. It was taught by Amara Aguilar, a designer, visual journalist, reporter, social media engagement producer and consultant.

It is now available as a self-directed course and can be accessed anytime, from anywhere, on JournalismCourses.org. 

In the course, students learn about branding and explore identity, are taught how to use TikTok and social media to tell their own stories, discuss challenges facing Latinx students and journalists, and hear from professionals about their own careers and personal journeys.

Guest speakers include Rolling Stones reporter Tomás Mier, Vox audience engagement editor Gabby Fernandez and Microsoft’s Cynthia Reynaud. Module 4 features interviews with Astrid Kayembe of Report for America, and Eric Resendiz of ABC7. There is also an interview with Lorena Bouvedaire from The Huffington Post and Erick Galindo of KPCC and LAist. And finally, there is a discussion on the future of journalism with Fernando Hurtado of NBC and Ashley Alvarado of KPCC and LAist.

“The interviews were amazing! I felt inspired hearing about different journeys and experiences,” one student said in the final course evaluation.

Another student said their favorite part of the course was “learning about Latinx journalists who’ve had similar challenging experiences about making it into a very competitive industry where Latinx representation is still missing.”

Others were inspired by the course materials on TikTok.

“I thought I used TikTok, but I didn’t know I had so many elements for reporting.. They were good explanations, well supported.”

The self-directed version of the course, which is now available, is made up of four modules that include video classes, readings and optional resources. Unlike the MOOC, it does not include discussion forums or quizzes.

Take advantage of this great resource and opportunity to expand your digital storytelling skills and explore your own identity and brand. Check out the self-directed course today!