Four student journalists will be selected as winners in IRE's new student computer-assisted reporting contest. The winners will receive free registration to IRE's Computer-Assisted Reporting Conference on Feb. 24-27 in Raleigh, N.C.; three nights of lodging at the conference hotel; and a slot on a panel. The entry deadline is Jan. 28. The contest is sponsored by three John S. and James L. Knight chairs in journalism: Sarah Cohen, Duke University; Steve Doig, Arizona State University; and Brant Houston, University of Illinois. Entries can include: • Investigative stories published in any medium. • News applications. • Tools to help investigative ... Read more ...

We've received lots of questions about whether the optional Computer-Assisted Reporting day at the Baltimore conference June 11-14 is suitable for people new to CAR. The answer is "Yes." The day will serve as a good introduction to the tools and tricks of analyzing electronic information. In addition, hands-on classes Friday through Saturday will give you actual experience using spreadsheets and databases. Here are some Thursday panels I think would be suitable for those new to CAR as well as seasoned veterans:

Thursday (6/11/09)	Panel(s)
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.	CAR's greatest hits: 2008-2009 ...

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