How are immersive technologies changing journalism education? And what skills will educators and media professionals need to work with increasingly immersive, interactive and AI-supported media?
These questions are at the centre of iStream – Higher Education Programmes on Immersive Journalism Approach, an Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnership in higher education that brings together organisations from across Europe to address the emerging competence needs of the media, journalism and communication sectors.
As the project approaches its final stage, Learnable has published a new article on EPALE – the Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe, presenting the iStream experience and reflecting on how education can respond to a rapidly evolving media environment.
From technology to competences
Virtual and augmented reality, 360° video and interactive storytelling offer journalists new ways to tell stories and engage audiences. However, introducing these technologies into education is not simply a matter of learning how to operate new devices.
Immersive journalism combines technology, storytelling, multimedia production, ethics, legal awareness and an understanding of audiences. The iStream Competence Framework was developed precisely to define this multidisciplinary professional profile and identify the knowledge, skills and attitudes required by immersive journalists.
This broader perspective is the focus of the new EPALE article, “Immersive journalism: new skills for educators and media”, which looks at the relationship between technological change, professional development and new approaches to teaching and learning.
Turning competences into educational resources
Throughout the project, the iStream partnership has transformed this competence-based approach into a comprehensive set of resources for higher education.
Alongside the Competence Framework, iStream has developed a one-year, 60-ECTS Curriculum for immersive journalism and a Syllabus providing educators with pedagogical and technical support for implementing its modules.
The iStream Lab Guidelines complement these resources by addressing another practical challenge: how to create and manage an environment in which immersive journalism can actually be taught and experienced. They provide guidance on infrastructure, technologies, competences, learning activities, safety and the long-term sustainability of immersive journalism laboratories.
Together, these resources connect three important dimensions: what future immersive journalists need to know, how these competences can be taught, and what educators and institutions need to put this learning into practice.
Extending the conversation beyond the project
The EPALE article also highlights an important aspect of iStream: the conversation around immersive journalism does not end with the development of educational materials.
Through the iStream Community of Practice, educators, researchers, journalists, media professionals and organisations can continue exchanging experiences and exploring emerging issues affecting journalism and education. Recent discussions have addressed topics such as the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in journalism and the boundary between AI-supported content creation and manipulation.
This exchange becomes particularly relevant as immersive technologies and AI increasingly intersect. Preparing professionals for this environment means developing technical capabilities, but also critical thinking, ethical awareness and the ability to make responsible choices about technology.
Read the new article on EPALE
The new EPALE publication offers an opportunity to discover iStream from this broader perspective and reflect on a central question:
How should education prepare learners and professionals for media environments that are becoming increasingly immersive, interactive and AI-supported?
Read “Immersive journalism: new skills for educators and media” on EPALE
You can also explore the Competence Framework, Curriculum, Syllabus, Lab Guidelines and other project activities on the official iStream website.
