In today’s digital age, journalists need to be more tech-savvy than ever before. From using social media for gathering news to creating data-driven stories, technology is essential to the modern journalist’s toolkit. Nukta Africa, a digital media company specialising in data-driven news and tools, has created a new platform Kozica. The platform is the first customised journalism and communication platform aimed at providing emerging communication and journalism-related skills. Jamlab spoke to Daniel Samson, chief learning officer of Kozica, about how the platform can help journalists to be tech-savvy. 

1. What is Kozica and why did you decide to create this platform? 

Kozica is an e-learning platform dedicated to providing emerging communication and journalism-related skills. Our trainers are award-winning and renowned practitioners who not only teach our trainees how and why things work but also share best practices according to the respective industry. 

Kozica is a part of Nukta Africa’s products with the aim of improving people’s lives through digital and data-driven content and tools. It has been supported by the United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC). 

We decided to create this platform to bridge the knowledge gap among journalists and communication experts in Tanzania who can access or afford to pay for communication and journalism-related courses. Also the platform  

Currently, we have two courses: fact-checking and data journalism delivered using Swahili, which is mostly spoken in Tanzania and East Africa. Other courses are still produced including multimedia storytelling, newsletter management, social media management, digital content production and podcasts. 

 2. How does the platform work? 

Here is how Kozica works:  

  • Sign up for an account. You can create an account for free and get verified. The next step is to browse the courses. Kozica offers a variety of courses on communication and journalism, including fact-checking and data journalism. 
  • Enroll in a course. Once you have found a course that you are interested in, you can enroll. 
  • Start learning. Each course is divided into modules. You can work through the modules at your own pace. 
  • Get certified. Once you have completed all of the modules in a course, you will be able to get certified. 

Kozica is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn new communication and journalism skills. The courses are taught by experienced professionals, and the platform is easy to use. You can access Kozica from any device with an internet connection. The platform offers a variety of support resources, including a help desk, a forum, and a community of learners. 

 3. How does the platform support journalism and journalists in Tanzania? 

Kozica supports journalism and journalists in Tanzania in a number of ways: 

Provides access to high-quality training. Kozica offers a variety of courses on a wide range of topics related to journalism, such as fact-checking and data journalism. These courses are taught by experienced professionals and are designed to help journalists improve their skills and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in journalism. 

It promotes professional development by offering a community of learners where journalists can connect with each other and share ideas. This can be a great way for journalists to learn from each other and build relationships. Kozica also offers corporate training and customized workshops, which can help media organizations provide their journalists with specialized training. 

Kozica’s courses emphasize the importance of accuracy and credibility in journalism. This is important in Tanzania, where there is a growing problem with misinformation. Kozica’s courses teach journalists how to verify information, identify bias, and write in a clear and concise way. Kozica believes that journalists play an essential role in society. The platform’s goal is to empower journalists with the skills and knowledge they need to do their jobs effectively.  

 4. The journalism industry has significantly changed, becoming increasingly digital. What type of skills does Kozcia equip journalists with to be able to work in this changing media industry?   

Kozica equips journalists with the skills they need to be successful in the changing media industry. The platform’s courses are relevant, informative, and engaging. Kozica is a valuable resource for journalists who want to stay ahead of the curve and produce high-quality journalism. 

Kozica also teaches journalists how to use critical thinking skills to identify bias and misinformation. For example, journalists are taught how to evaluate the sources of information, identify logical fallacies, and think about the context of information. 

In addition to digital skills and critical thinking skills, Kozica also teaches journalists how to write clearly, concisely, and engagingly. Journalists are taught how to structure their stories, how to use strong verbs, and how to create vivid descriptions. Kozica teaches journalists about the ethical principles of journalism. Journalists are taught about the importance of accuracy, fairness, and independence. They are also taught about the need to protect sources and avoid conflicts of interest. 

 5. How will this platform improve the quality of journalism in Tanzania? 

Kozica has the potential to improve the quality of journalism in Tanzania by providing access to high-quality training, promoting professional development, striving for accuracy and credibility and empowering journalists with digital skills. 

Kozica can help journalists to improve their skills in fact-checking, data journalism, and social media marketing. This will allow journalists to produce more accurate and relevant content that is more likely to reach a wider audience. This will help to create a more vibrant and productive media landscape in Tanzania. 

 6. How can journalists use or access the platform? 

Individual journalists can sign up for a free account and access the courses. This is a great option for journalists who want to learn new skills or brush up on their existing skills. 

To access Kozica, journalists can visit the website at www.kozica.tz. They can then create an account and start browsing the courses. 

Journalists can use Kozica to learn new skills, brush up on their existing skills, network with other journalists and stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends: Kozica offers a blog and newsletter that covers a variety of topics related to communication and journalism. Journalists can use these resources to stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends in their field.

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