IRE makes data training videos free for one year

IRE is relaunching its NICAR-Learn library of data tool tutorials, with new videos and free access for one year.

NICAR-Learn is a hub of almost 60 short, skill-based videos for journalists to learn tools, tricks and strategies for working with data. Unlike some online training platforms, you won’t find any hour-long webinars on the site. Instead, most videos are under 10 minutes and designed for journalists to quickly learn a skill on demand.

Access to NICAR-Learn typically costs $25 per year for IRE members and $40 for nonmembers. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, IRE is offering the service free for one year. Current subscribers will receive a free one-year extension. After a year, anyone may subscribe at the standard rates. 

“During these uncertain economic times, IRE wants to be sure that journalists, students and professors have access to these tools,” IRE Executive Director Doug Haddix said.

The videos are taught by IRE trainers and some of the most experienced data journalists in the business, including MaryJo Webster, Anthony DeBarros, Samantha Sunne and Alexandra Kanik.

Newly added videos include four on SQLite using the tool DB Browser. In addition, 10 videos focus on using the programming language Python, including how to install it on your computer, load and analyze data using Pandas, and understand basic syntax.

Other skills covered include Excel spreadsheets, DocumentCloud, OpenRefine, and visualization tools such as Carto and Tableau.

IRE will continue to update NICAR-Learn with new tools and skills. Let us know what you’d like to see by filling out this short survey.