The media skills of educational professionals are strengthened through participatory approaches and the targeted use of digital media in communication and life organization, embedded in a blended learning concept for youth work. The aim of the project was to promote young people's digital skills through hands-on learning, authentic experiences and active media work. A practical guide to media education for youth work was developed to support the future qualification of professionals, which will be disseminated locally, regionally, nationally and transnationally. The long-term cooperation between WeTeK Berlin gGmbH and Associazione Formazione 80 Turin is characterized by transnational pedagogical exchange, format development and the use of digital technologies. Young people acquire digital, intercultural and life skills, particularly in dealing with fake news and digital self-defense. The project focused on digital literacy as a prerequisite for social participation and civic engagement. Critical debate, informational self-determination and creative media work formed the basis for this. Involving young people should also ensure democratic structures and contemporary political education in the future.
The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly increased the use of digital media in youth work and triggered a learning-by-doing process among educational staff. Nevertheless, there is still a considerable need to train educational professionals in the competent use of digital media. This was the motivation of the project partners: The aim was to develop a practical guide to media education that would provide targeted support for educational professionals in youth work. Although young people use digital media every day, they often lack media skills - especially when it comes to evaluating information, recognizing dangers and dealing fairly with social networks. Topics such as cyberbullying, fake news and dealing with opinion bubbles are particularly relevant for youth work. The partners - WeTeK Berlin gGmbH with explicit media education expertise and Associazione Formazione 80 Turin with experience in the development of didactic materials - pooled their know-how to create a participatory practical guide. The results sustainably strengthen the pedagogical quality and capacity of the organizations. Guide and materials were made available via a learning platform. Media literacy is a key area of development in the European education area.