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In three days, reporters and producers will know how to use spreadsheets to add context, how to download simple databases from the Internet and will have practiced importing them into more flexible tools.

They will know how to build databases for long-running stories like court cases or public works projects, use databases that have been prepared for them, and practice using database managers to find newsworthy people, companies and cases. They also should be able to negotiate with government officials for routine public records held in electronic form.

Editors and other managers will understand what questions to ask of reporters venturing into computer-assisted reporting, when to suggest a certain tool and how to encourage public records requests for electronic records.

Sample three-day schedule (basic computer-assisted reporting techniques)
Day One:
9:00 a.m.	Overview of computer-assisted reporting: Examples of computer-assisted reporting at work
10:00.a.m.	The Internet as a reporting tool: Strategies for making it work for you.
Noon	Lunch on your own.
1:00 p.m.	Introduction to spreadsheets: Basic math
3:00 p.m.	Using spreadsheets for daily and beat reporting.
5:00 p.m.	Daily wrap-up
Day Two:
9:00 a.m.	Importing and using data you find on the Internet
10:30 a.m.	Introduction to database managers: Filtering to find news and sources.
Noon	Lunch (on your own)
1:00 p.m.	Summarizing data with a database manager: "How many?," and "How much?" questions answered.
3:00 p.m.	Overview of relational databases and the uses of joining.
3:30 p.m.	Practice in intentional and enterprise joins.
5:00 p.m.	Daily wrap-up
Day Three:
9:00 a.m.	Examples of using databases you build and discussion of record layouts and database design.
10:00 a.m.	Building your own database
Noon	Brown-bag lunch: Discussion on getting and using government data
1:30 p.m.	Putting it all together, Part 1: Importing data
3:00 p.m.	Putting it all together, Part 2: From databases to spreadsheets
4:30 p.m.	Wrap-up: Where do we go from here? Strategies for using what you've learned