Educators worldwide are leading the charge in spreading awareness about the benefits and potential risks of digital technologies. From schools to libraries to cultural centers, educators are equipping students of all ages with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital landscape with ease. By teaching them how technology shapes their lives, educators empower the next generation to be critical thinkers who can confidently tackle challenges in their digital environment.
Precisely, in times when the quantity of Information is overwhelming, and misinformation spread is intensifying social tensions and increasing polarisation, digital and media literacy is crucial. Here is where the Media Literacy Case for Educators comes to life. European Schoolnet, International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA), Save the Children (Italy), and Tactical Tech joined forces with local and national partners working with youth (Associació Verificat – Spain, Central Library of Srečko Vilhar Koper – Slovenia, Computer History Museum (Računalniški muzej) – Slovenia, Goethe Institut Skopje – North Macedonia, Laboratorium Tuzla – Bosnia and Herzegovina, Plataforma Uroboros – Czech Republic, Prelog Town Library – Croatia, Trinec Town Library – Czech Republic, Webwise – Ireland, German Youth Foundation Baden Württemberg – Germany) to develop effective, creative, awareness-raising educational interventions and resources such as the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) that inform students and engage them in conversations about how to take proactive action.
The initiative, co-funded by the European Union, champions educators, schools, libraries, education, youth and cultural centres across Europe. These local actors and protagonists work with their communities to adapt and translate the Media Literacy Case for Educators in a way that responds to the needs and cultural particularities, creating impactful solutions at the local level.