Media Literacy and Critical Thinking in the Digital Age

Course overview

In the era of information overload and the proliferation of misinformation, this immersive 5-day course aims to equip participants with the essential skills to navigate the digital landscape critically and responsibly. Through a combination of theoretical insights and hands-on activities, participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of media literacy, critical thinking, and fact-checking techniques.

The course will delve into the concept of critical thinking, exploring cognitive biases, logical fallacies, and strategies for fact-checking and verifying information. Participants will engage in practical exercises to hone their critical thinking skills, enabling them to evaluate information objectively and make informed decisions.

Emphasis will be placed on recognizing various forms of media bias, including political, corporate, and ideological biases. Participants will discuss the importance of seeking diverse perspectives in media consumption and explore techniques used to manipulate information and shape narratives.

The course will also provide an in-depth understanding of the concept of fake news, its history, evolution, and the common types and tactics employed. Participants will analyze the impact of fake news on society and democracy, fostering a deeper appreciation for the role of media literacy in preserving democratic values.

Digital literacy and online verification tools will be introduced, equipping participants with the necessary skills to evaluate the credibility of online sources. Through practical exercises, participants will learn to discern between reliable and unreliable information, while also discussing the role of social media platforms in the spread of misinformation.

To enhance the learning experience and provide a cultural context, the course will incorporate a guided visit to a local museum, heritage site, or eco-conscious initiative. This visit will allow participants to explore the cultural richness of the area, draw inspiration from sustainable practices, and gain insights into the intersection of media literacy and environmental awareness.

Tentative schedule:

Day 1: Foundations of critical thinking and media literacy

  • Icebreakers and networking activities
  • Introduction to the course and participants
  • Overview of the course methodology and expectations
  • Introduction to critical thinking and its importance in media literacy
  • Exploration of cognitive biases and logical fallacies
  • Practical exercises to develop critical thinking skills in evaluating information
  • Discussion on strategies for fact-checking and verifying information

Day 2: Recognizing media bias and manipulation

  • Explanation of media bias and its various forms (e.g., political bias, corporate bias)
  • Exploration of techniques used to manipulate information and shape narratives
  • Discussion on the importance of diverse perspectives and sources in media consumption
  • Group activity: Reporting on different biases found in the media
  • Peer review and feedback on content presenting exercises

Day 3: Unraveling the world of fake news

  • Introduction to the concept of fake news and its implications
  • Exploration of the history and evolution of misinformation and propaganda
  • Analysis of common types and tactics of fake news
  • Discussion on the impact of fake news on society and democracy

Day 4: Digital literacy and cultural perspectives

  • Cultural visit (e.g. museum, heritage site) guided in English and exploring local heritage and sustainable practices
  • Introduction to digital literacy and online verification tools
  • Exploration of techniques for evaluating the credibility of online sources
  • Practical exercises to discern between reliable and unreliable information online
  • Group activity: Presenting the cultural visit from different views and with different aims to each other

Day 5: Becoming a responsible media consumer

  • Group projects or presentations on analyzing and debunking fake news stories
  • Discussion on responsible media consumption habits and the importance of being an informed citizen
  • Development of personal action plans for applying media literacy skills in daily life
  • Course evaluation and feedback
  • Certification ceremony

The classes typically run from 9 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon, with the afternoon and evening reserved for self-reflection and individual study. However, the course schedule may be adjusted to accommodate the preferences of the participants and the availability of instructors or external learning locations. Participants will receive the finalized schedule well in advance, allowing ample time for preparation and planning.

Learning outcomes:

The participants will be able to:

  • Analyze cognitive biases and logical fallacies that influence critical thinking and media consumption.
  • Apply critical thinking strategies and fact-checking techniques to evaluate information objectively.
  • Identify various forms of media bias and their impact on shaping narratives and public opinion.
  • Evaluate the importance of seeking diverse perspectives and sources in media consumption.
  • Explain the concept of fake news, its history, evolution, and common tactics employed.
  • Analyze the impact of fake news on society, democracy, and the dissemination of accurate information.
  • Utilize digital literacy skills and online verification tools to assess the credibility of online sources.
  • Differentiate between reliable and unreliable information online, considering factors such as source credibility and verification.
  • Critique the role of social media platforms in the spread of misinformation and their responsibility in combating it.
  • Develop personal action plans for applying media literacy skills and responsible media consumption habits in daily life.
  • Integrate cultural elements and inspiration from local heritage and sustainable practices into their understanding of media literacy and critical thinking.

Course fee:

  • 400 euro per participant (covered entirely by the Erasmus grant)

Course fee includes:

  • At least 25 hours of course content;
  • Course materials;
  • Certificate of participation;
  • Europass, on request;
  • Learning / Mobility Agreement;
  • Visits to local institutions, if available;
  • Personalized support;
  • Free high-speed WIFI internet at the POU Čakovec premises;
  • Refreshments;
  • Administration costs;
  • Dissemination materials.
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