The money from the Carnegie Corporation of New York will be used to pilot Journalism 101, a 16-week online programme covering the basics of journalism, which is scheduled to launch in the autumn of 2011.
According to a press release, 10 universities are expected to be involved in pilot, which will build on Poynter's existing online training scheme, the News University. The course will feature live and video teach from Poynter staff.
Online courses for more advanced journalism modules will be considered if the pilot is successful, says the release.
Howard Finberg, Poynter's interactive learning director, will manage relationships with partner universities and schools and oversee the development of the online teaching platform.
"Universities and students seek innovative teaching. The Carnegie grant brings Poynter faculty and university educators together in creative, digital approaches to teaching journalism," says Dr Karen B. Dunlap, Poynter's president, in the news release.
"Our goal is to prepare students for the whirlwind of news, information and rapidly changing delivery devices, by helping them understand values-based journalism that serves democracy."
Senior Desk Editor - International News Desk
