AIT Welcomes Participants to Join the Regional TechCamp in Taipei
Media Literacy & Countering Disinformation
August 27-29, 2019
AIT is delighted to announce that we will host a TechCamp during the last week of August focusing on countering disinformation and cultivating media literacy. With the Internet dramatically changing the landscape of how information travels, Taiwan, as well as the rest of the world, has become a battlefield of misinformation and disinformation. We hope to bring together journalism students/emerging journalists, social media influencers (including YouTubers and bloggers), members of the tech and programming community, and members of related NGOs from Taiwan and countries in the region to work with international and local trainers on digital technology capacity building. The goal is to find strategies and tools for effectively improving public media literacy and reducing the reach and impact of disinformation. We also hope TechCamp participants will connect with more established players in this space and form a network for future cooperation on projects in the service of these goals.
Workshops within AIT’s TechCamp may include topics such as: Artificial Intelligence: Understanding the Potential of AI and Its Role in Journalism; Social Media Campaign Design; Video and Digital Storytelling; and Media Literacy: Critical Thinking Skills, Identifying Fake News and Information.
The TechCamp program, run by the U.S. Department of State, centers around interactive, hands-on workshops that leverage private sector technology experts to build technical capacity among key influencers. TechCamp workshops are designed for results, with participants identifying individual challenges and working with trainers to develop and apply technology solutions. Post-workshop programming and projects are required for each TechCamp, utilizing TechCamp’s follow-on funds to help participants move their ideas into action and sustain connections with each other, trainers and U.S. Government staff.
Program Date: August 27-29, 2019 (2 and a half days)
Venue: Taipei, Taiwan
Fee: AIT will cover all expenses incurred during the TechCamp, including meals, educational materials, and other miscellaneous fees. Lodging, transportation, and insurance will be covered for participants travelling from outside the Taipei metropolitan area.
Language: Participants should have strong English skills as all activities will be conducted in English.
Criteria for Selection:
- Emerging journalists, journalism students, social media influencers (including YouTubers and bloggers), members of the tech and programing community, and members of related NGOs are eligible to apply.
- English proficiency is required. Participants must be able to discuss complex issues in English.
- Completed application forms must be submitted no later than June 10, 2019, including a paragraph explaining the candidates’ interest and suitability for the program.
- Interested participants may also seek a recommendation from professors, supervisors, AIT alumni or related NGOs.
Application Deadline: 23:00, June 10, 2019 (early submission is highly encouraged)
Selection:
The American Institute in Taiwan will select approximately 40 participants from all regions of Taiwan along with 20 participants from other countries in the region. Applicants should send application forms (on the right) to AIT_Techcamp@mail.ait.org.tw no later than June 10, 2019. Applications will be reviewed by AIT officers and staff. Participants who are selected will be notified by AIT by the end of June and provided with detailed event information.
Contact Persons: For any questions regarding the application process, please contact AIT_Techcamp@mail.ait.org.tw .
