CNN Academy, in collaboration with Titus, has won a bronze award at the Learning Technologies Awards 2024 in the category of Best Use of Simulation or Virtual Environments for Learning. The award recognises the innovative, high-impact in-person journalism simulation held in Abu Dhabi in 2023, a unique experiential learning programme set in the fictional conflict zone of Brynania.
Developed and delivered by CNN Academy, with technical and learning platform support from Titus, the Brynania simulation placed aspiring journalists into a fast-paced, immersive newsroom environment where they were challenged to cover a fictional conflict in real time. Participants were tasked with navigating the political, ethical and safety challenges of war reporting — making editorial decisions on the fly while under pressure from evolving events, misinformation, and competing narratives.
The judges commended the simulation for its realism, emotional intensity, and skill development, describing it as a powerful example of blended experiential learning. Titus supported the initiative by integrating a tailored Moodle learning management platform for briefing participants, delivering resources, and collecting reflections during and after the simulation.
CNN Academy’s Brynania simulation has been widely praised as one of the most innovative journalism training programmes globally. It offers participants a rare chance to experience the demands and complexity of reporting from a conflict zone in a safe and controlled environment.
The bronze award recognises CNN Academy’s vision and Titus’s technical and learning technology expertise. It showcases what’s possible when immersive, real-world storytelling is combined with structured, supportive learning design.
