Media Literacy and Fighting Fake News: Fostering Critical and Aware Students

In an era of information overload, critical thinking is a vital skill. This course gives educators the strategies and practical tools to teach media literacy, helping students to navigate the digital world safely, identify fake news, and become responsible creators of content.

Description

This course tackles one of the most pressing challenges in modern education: teaching students to distinguish fact from fiction online. We will analyze the anatomy of disinformation, from clickbait and propaganda to deepfakes, and understand the psychological mechanisms that make them effective. The focus is highly practical, providing you with a toolkit of classroom activities to develop students’ critical skills: how to check sources, identify bias, analyze images and videos, and understand algorithms. We will explore how to foster a classroom culture of healthy skepticism and inquiry, empowering students to become ethical and discerning digital citizens rather than just passive consumers of information. You will leave ready to implement a media literacy curriculum.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

  • Define key concepts of media literacy, disinformation, and propaganda.
  • Use a variety of online fact-checking tools and reverse image search techniques effectively.
  • Design and implement engaging classroom activities to teach students how to evaluate online sources.
  • Promote critical thinking skills for analyzing text, images, and videos for bias and manipulation.
  • Foster principles of digital citizenship, including ethical online behavior and responsible sharing.
  • Create a school-wide strategy for integrating media literacy across different subjects.
  • Feel more confident in addressing controversial topics and misinformation in the classroom.

Methodology & Assessment

The methodology is interactive and case-study-driven. We will analyze real-world examples of fake news and participate in hands-on workshops using digital fact-checking tools. The course includes role-playing, group discussions, and collaborative sessions where participants design and share their own teaching activities. Peer learning is encouraged to share experiences from different European educational systems. Assessment is portfolio-based. Participants will create a mini-module on media literacy for their students, including at least three practical activities, which will be presented and reviewed on the final day.

Materials, Digital Tools & Other Learning Resources

We will use online fact-checking platforms (e.g., Snopes, Bellingcat), reverse image search tools, and educational resources from organizations like the News Literacy Project. Digital tools will include interactive platforms (e.g., Mentimeter, Kahoot!) for engaging activities and collaborative whiteboards (Miro, Jamboard) for brainstorming lesson plans.

Certification Details

Certificate of attendance

Upcoming sessions

Dates Location
8–12 June 2026 Rome, Italy Enroll
13–17 July 2026 Rome, Italy Enroll
17–21 August 2026 Rome, Italy Enroll
7–11 September 2026 Rome, Italy Enroll
5–9 October 2026 Rome, Italy Enroll
9–13 November 2026 Rome, Italy Enroll
7–11 December 2026 Rome, Italy Enroll

Pricing, Packages and Other Information

Price: EUR 400

Course package content:

We can assist you:

  • Accommodation: We can help you find suitable and comfortable accommodation options near the training venue, whether you prefer hotels, guesthouses, or apartments.
  • Cultural Tours: Immerse yourself in the local culture with our curated tours and excursions. Explore historical sites, museums, and hidden gems, and gain a deeper understanding of your surroundings.
  • Transportation: We can arrange convenient and reliable transportation options for your arrival and departure.

Cancellation & Changes

We understand that plans can change. That’s why we offer flexible options for cancellations and changes, while also providing clarity on our policy in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Participant-Initiated Changes and Cancellations:

Changes: We are happy to accommodate changes to your registration, such as transferring to a different course date or modifying your accommodation choices, whenever possible. Please contact us as soon as possible with your request and we will do our best to assist you.

Additional Information

  • Language: English
  • Target audience ISCED: Primary education (ISCED 1), Lower secondary education (ISCED 2), Upper secondary education (ISCED 3)
  • Target audience type: Student Teacher, Head Teacher / Principal, Teacher Educator
  • Learning time: 25 hours or more

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