Fact-Check Academy

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.
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
location

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

Duration and 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.
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.