New Media: Tools & Techniques for Civilian Crisis Management
Course Description
This course introduces participants to a variety of new media tools and platforms used in the collection, presentation, verification, and dissemination of information. Participants have the chance to practice using these tools through interactive activities and group work, while learning about cyber-security to protect information and sources.
In crisis areas, quick and informed decision-making can save lives. New web-, mobile-, and internet-based media and information dissemination platforms are constantly evolving, producing increasing amounts of content. The speed with which information is created, published and disseminated keeps increasing. This allows for a multiplicity of perspectives to surface. The challenge for experts working in civilian crisis management is finding a way to filter the information and determine what is relevant with the overload of information, and further, to communicate that effectively to the right people in an efficient manner.
Additionally, new tools are being developed to help experts visualize data in a clear way, so that it can be easily shared, interpreted, and understood by different users. It is therefore vital that experts working in crisis areas are aware of these tools and know how to apply them to their work.
This course was designed jointly by ZIF and the ICT4Peace Foundation.
Learning Objectives
The learning objectives for this training are:
- To be able to use new media tools to collect, analyze, present, verify and disseminate information;
- To understand the impact new and web-based social media have on civilian crisis management;
- To communicate and share information in a secure manner;
- To be aware of the added complexities that have arisen and are arising through the increased use of new media;
- To understand the nature of big and open data on the web and internet, and how this information can be useful in crisis response and mitigation.
- To gain an understanding of Crisis Information Management Systems.
Course Modules
- Introduction to New Media in Crisis
- Information Management in Civilian Crisis Management
- OS-INT & Big Data
- Data Visualisation & Visualisation Tools
- Tools for Collaboration: Creating & Using Wikis
- New Cartographies & Mapping Tools
- Source Verification in the Digital Age
- Security in the Digital Domain
- Data Protection
Course Audience
ENTRi courses are accessible to individuals either going to or already working in crisis management missions for organisations such as the European Union (CSDP missions), the United Nations (UN), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the African Union (AU), or members of other international organizations working in crisis areas.
This course is geared towards experts working in the area of information management and analysis, monitoring, and reporting.
Implementing Partners
Lead implementing body: Center for International Peace Operations (ZIF), Germany.
Other partner implementing bodies: ICT4Peace Foundation, Switzerland.
Date and Location
18-22 May 2015; Berlin, Germany.
Registration Fee
This course is free of charge. Accommodation and board will be covered by ENTRi. Course participants will be responsible for covering their own travel to the course venue.
Please note that while ENTRi courses are primarily geared toward civilian personnel working in international crisis management missions, police and military candidates are welcome to apply. Please note that course participants from the military are required to cover their own expenses during the course, including accomodation, board, and travel costs.
Application
Please apply using the ENTRi database.
Please apply by 29 March 2015.
Applications received after the deadline will be considered only if slots are still available.The course organisers encourage early registration.
