Fact-Check Academy

Summer and Winter Schools

Overview and purpose

We live in an era where fake news spreads faster than real news. How can we tell trustworthy information from manipulated content?

This intensive 4-day course is designed for young professionals and students who want to develop fact-checking skills, critical source analysis, and online propaganda detection techniques.

Through hands-on workshops, real-time news verification exercises, and advanced digital tools, participants will learn how to protect themselves from misinformation and promote a healthier information ecosystem.

Learning Outcome

By the end of this course, participants will:

Critically analyze articles, images, and videos to verify their authenticity.
Recognize manipulation strategies and propaganda tactics.
Use digital fact-checking tools to verify sources.
Develop a critical mindset to interpret online content.
Create and share accurate information to counter fake news.

Course details

Rome, Italy – In-person training with hands-on activities.

Daily Schedule

4 days (including a guided city tour).

Daily Schedule

Day 1: Introduction to Misinformation and Fact-Checking

Morning: How fake news works and why it spreads.
Afternoon: Practical workshop – Source verification techniques.

Day 2: Digital Tools for Fact-Checking

Morning: Open-source tools for verifying images, videos, and data.
Afternoon: Simulation – Analyzing real-world misinformation cases.

Day 3: Propaganda, Manipulation, and the Impact of Social Media

Morning: How to recognize propaganda and media bias.
Afternoon: Workshop – Designing an awareness campaign against fake news.

Day 4: Guided Tour of Rome – History and the Manipulation of Information

Exploration of historical archives and media institutions, reflecting on how misinformation has evolved over time.
Practical activity: Create a simple, accessible news verification guide.

Admission information

Language: Italian
Language level prerequisites: B1 or higher
Audience: Students, young professionals, educators, aspiring journalists, and anyone interested in learning how to recognize and combat misinformation.
Prerequisites: No prior experience required. Participants can bring real-life news examples or questionable content to analyze.
Maximum number of participants: 20

Why Choose This Course

Hands-on learning: Simulations and verification tools used by professionals.
Expert-led training: Journalists, researchers, and communication analysts as instructors.
Current and relevant: Learn how to spot disinformation in social media and news outlets.
Immersive experience in Rome: Discover the historical link between information and power.

What Sets Us Apart

100% practical: Learn fact-checking techniques you can apply immediately.
For everyone: No journalism background needed—just curiosity and critical thinking.
Networking and discussions: Connect with experts and peers in the information field.