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Media literacy in Action

2021-2-MT01-KA152-YOU-0000379272021Mobility of young peoplefinalized
Countries: MT|HR|GE|CZ|AM|EL · Grant: €21,930
Media literacy and tackling disinformationÿNew learning and teaching methods and approachesDigital skills and competences

Objectives

"Media Literacy in Action" was a youth exchange program specifically designed to address the pressing need for enhanced media literacy among young individuals from diverse countries and backgrounds. The concept of this initiative was prompted by a multitude of factors, primarily stemming from the alarming shortage of media literacy skills prevalent among the youth of that time. In an era characterized by rapid advancements in information technology and the ever-increasing flexibility of media, individuals were constantly bombarded with an overwhelming influx of information that was often complex to comprehend and analyze. The main reason for the project initiative was a lack of media literacy among the youth generation, while information technology rapidly develops and media become more flexible, every day we receive information that is not easy to conceive and analyze. To be a correct consumer of today's media is complicated. Sometimes, when there is a lack of discussions on how to receive media messages, it has even a negative influence on young society. Everyone agrees that Media literacy education is becoming more and more important for society. Media literacy involves Critical thinking, Civic Responsibility, and Self-Expression. According to the National Association for Media Literacy Education, it is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act using all forms of communication. In the current age we live in, it is very easy for anyone to create any form of media. From text messages and advertising to memes and viral content, media takes all shapes and forms. This is where media literacy becomes important. By actively engaging in initiatives such as "Media Literacy in Action," young individuals were empowered to harness their critical thinking abilities, enabling them to discern the credibility, biases, and persuasive techniques embedded within media messages. Furthermore, this program instilled a sense of civic responsibility, encouraging participants to become active contributors to the media landscape, and shaping its narrative through ethical and informed practices. Moreover, media literacy equipped individuals with the tools necessary to express themselves effectively and responsibly, amplifying their voices while avoiding the potential pitfalls associated with misinformation or manipulation. The aim of "Media Literacy in Action" was to equip young individuals of that time with the essential competencies to navigate the dynamic media landscape. By fostering media literacy awareness, this program sought to empower the youth, enabling them to make informed decisions, challenge societal norms, and actively participate in shaping the future of media. Through collaborative efforts and intercultural exchange, this initiative served as a catalyst for positive change, bridging gaps and nurturing a generation of media-literate global citizens capable of thriving in the digital age of that time. “Media Literacy in Action” had the following objectives: To develop critical thinking skills; To understand how media messages shape our culture & society, one’s own beliefs about the real world; To recognize what the media maker wants us to believe or do; To recognize misinformation & lies; To discover the parts of the story that are not being told; To evaluate media messages based on own experiences, skills, beliefs, and values To enhance international communication of young people, 8. To promote media Literacy and Erasmus+. By organizing this project we wanted to raise awareness about the importance of media and the correct interpretation of delivered information as well as to raise awareness of misinformation, bias, and lies. With this project, we tried to make the participants understand that media literacy is not about "protecting" youth from unwanted messages. Media literacy is about helping youth become competent, critical, and literate in all media forms so that they control the interpretation of what they see or hear rather than letting the interpretation control them.

Project partners (6)