The project aims to foster critical thinking, ethical engagement, and civic participation through improved Media and Information Literacy (MIL) skills. It seeks to develop a scalable and replicable model for adult learning that benefits learners of all backgrounds. Key objectives include: - Raising awareness among target groups and stakeholders about the importance of enhancing MIL competencies in citizens. - Enhancing media and information literacy integration into education in formal and non-formal curricula for adult education providers, vocational education and training (VET), and higher education institutions. - Enhancing seniors’ competencies through participation in ALiVE Learning Stations in the metaverse. - Developing learning resources to improve educational opportunities for adult learners. - Establishing a Virtual Learning Community in the metaverse to facilitate lifelong learning and redefine online learning concepts. - Creating a Methodological Framework outlining MIL competencies for citizens based on European and international literature. - Assessing MIL competencies among adults over 45 to generate a common skills mapping.
The project recognises the increasing challenges of navigating credible information in the digital age and seeks to equip older adults with the necessary skills to critically evaluate and engage with media to empower individuals to engage actively and positively in a democratic society regardless of age. It utilises a metaverse-based learning environment to provide interactive learning stations, focusing on various aspects of MIL. With the increasing prevalence of misinformation and disinformation in the digital age it has never been more important to provide opportunities for people to enhance the ability to critically evaluate, interpret, and use information effectively. This project addresses a gap in existing initiatives that often focus on younger populations and emphasises the innovative use of technology to enhance adult learning. In terms of education, there are limited learning opportunities for seniors (those over 45) that promote these essential skills. This age group often struggles to understand the nuances of media in the age of social media so projects like this are essential.