Formation of Critical Thinking and Media Literacy as Protection Against Media Manipulation, Misinformation and Fake News

CTML

New digital platforms have given rise to innovative journalistic practices that enable new forms of communication and a wider reach on a global scale. Misinformation and false reports, known as "fake news", are on the rise and influence the way people interpret daily developments. Fake news and misinformation campaigns are particularly problematic in democratic systems and there is a growing debate about how to address these issues without undermining the benefits of digital media. Educational institutions, especially universities, need to prioritize news education and also teach critical thinking as a future skill that is essential for a democratic society.

Currently, critical thinking is not explicitly taught as a skill at universities. However, it is central to enabling and empowering young students to critically consider and question situations, people, concepts, ideas, statements, etc. By developing students' critical thinking, universities prepare them for life in a democratic society.

Goals and contents

Taking these developments, needs and challenges into account, the CTML project aims to give the topic of critical thinking and media literacy the necessary attention and put it on the university agenda. In order to achieve a greater and sustainable impact, the project primarily aims to enhance the skills of university lecturers in the area of critical thinking and media literacy. However, the project is also aimed at other target groups - learners and decision-makers. Students in particular are to be prepared as citizens to actively participate in democratic processes at local, national and European level. The aim is also to improve young people's digital and media skills.

In the course of the project implementation, the following results will be developed together with international partners:

Open virtual platform on which all materials of the CT&ML course are published. Access to the platform is open and allows the specialist audience to access the project results.
Handbook for teachers provides an insight into the design of the course. The description of the methodological approach to be used in the course, the course content, clear instructions and guidelines, practical advice, tips, suggested lesson plans, assessment and evaluation approaches and tools, etc. will be part of the handbook.
Critical thinking and media literacy course will be developed. Curricula and study materials designed to teach critical thinking and media literacy will be developed. Great emphasis will be placed on the use of digital tools. Interactive learning and practice-oriented application will be promoted.
Compendium for Critical Thinking and Media Literacy contains theoretical and practical knowledge, case studies, articles, discussion topics and much more, which can be used by universities and other educational institutions for teaching and learning purposes.

Project Results

Virtual platform

The CT&ML platform is a virtual workspace where all CT&ML course materials are published, making them accessible to a wider audience. It centralizes all the tools needed to implement the project, such as e-tools based on the design of the web platform for the project network. The Open Virtual Platform contains e-learning resources (presentations, tests, etc.). There are e-forms for course evaluation to collect feedback from students. In addition, the platform facilitates and optimizes communication between partners and users. Partners are thus able to organize, share, bundle, store, and access knowledge and tools.

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Teachers Manual

The Teachers Manual contains an introduction, a description of the methodological approach to be used in the course, the course content, clear instructions and guidelines, practical advice, tips, suggestions for lesson plans, assessment and evaluation approaches and tools, etc.

To the Teachers Manual

Critical Thinking and Media Literacy Course

In today's world, which is characterized by an overwhelming amount of information, it is crucial for students to possess critical thinking and media literacy skills in order to make informed decisions, evaluate information sources, and distinguish between truth and falsehood. The Critical Thinking and Media Literacy (CT&ML) course is designed to provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to become critical thinkers and media-literate citizens. The course is free of charge and has no prerequisites. All course content is in English, and the course can be completed entirely online at your own pace. Upon completion, students will receive a certificate of completion.

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Critical Thinking and Media Literacy Compendium

The Compendium on Critical Thinking and Media Literacy for protection against media manipulation, misinformation, and fake news contains concise but consistent information on theoretical and practical knowledge, case studies, articles, discussion topics, etc.

To the Compendium