Unlock the DIGIRES Handbook: A Creative Guide to Mastering Media & Information Literacy

BECID
November 28, 2024 ·

As a teacher, you’ve likely noticed your students often rely on information they encounter online or through social media. We live in the 21st century—a time of groundbreaking technologies and limitless access to information, but also an era marked by deception, disinformation, and the erosion of trust. In this digital age, the search for truth can feel as elusive as the quest for the Holy Grail.

Throughout history, teachers have been mentors, guiding students toward truth and helping them stay on the right path. But how do you ensure the content they engage with is credible amidst the overwhelming flood of data and visuals? Your greatest tool—one you’ve wielded for generations—is teaching. Why not extend this to media literacy, equipping your students to build resilience not only in the classroom but also in life?

This is where the DIGIRES Handbook for Teachers, developed by the Baltic Digital Resilience Research Centre, becomes an invaluable resource.

With thoughtfully designed activities, this handbook is perfect for fostering media literacy across various subjects, including native or foreign languages, history, civics, and information technology. Each activity has detailed examples and adaptable scenarios, making it easy to integrate into your teaching practice. These exercises encourage students to question the validity of the information they encounter and think critically about its sources.

The handbook introduces methods like lateral reading, which trains students to evaluate the reliability of sources by analyzing textual and visual information. Practising this method will enhance their attention to detail and encourage a slower, more mindful approach to content consumption.

Through the Media Walkshop, students will explore the pervasive influence of media in everyday life. The Understanding Uncertainty method helps them navigate ambiguity and build resilience against fake news and manipulation—crucial skills in times of crisis. Finally, the Categorising Opinions activity sheds light on the dangers of polarization, division, and hate speech.By using the DIGIRES Handbook, you’re not just teaching media literacy—you’re equipping your students with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the modern world. Together, you can foster critical thinking, nurture resilience, and create a generation capable of seeking and safeguarding the truth.