AI-driven media literacy program in Greece: An approach for teacher education

• In Event: Highlighted Session: AI in the classroom: How media literacy can offer a path for teacher education around the world

Proposal

This presentation outlines how AI tools can be employed in professional development of educators to foster critical thinking, media analysis, and information verification skills. The case study from Greece highlights the implementation of an AI-driven media literacy program designed to address these challenges. In this context, AI tools are being used to facilitate real-time analysis of media content, enabling students to identify false information, detect patterns of bias, and better understand the mechanics of media manipulation. The program teaches educators to encourage students to engage with news and media through interactive AI platforms that simulate real-world media analysis, fostering a deeper understanding of how information is curated, framed, and distributed.

Key findings from this case study reveal several successes and challenges. On the one hand, AI tools have proven effective in enabling students to engage more deeply with media content, enhancing their ability to detect inaccuracies and recognize media biases. Students have reported feeling more confident in their ability to question and critique media narratives, a critical skill in today’s polarized information environment. On the other hand, challenges remain, particularly in terms of access to AI tools, the training of educators, and the need to adapt AI technologies to the diverse needs of students with varying levels of digital literacy.

Furthermore, the role of educators has been critical in the success of the program. Teachers serve not only as facilitators of AI tools but also as mediators who guide students in understanding the ethical and societal implications of AI in media. The presentation will also discuss how educators in Greece have adapted to these new technologies and the strategies they have employed to ensure that AI is not only a technical tool but also a means of fostering critical thinking and ethical reflection.

Finally, this presentation will place the Greek case study in a broader global context, comparing it with similar professional development programs in other countries. It will provide practical insights and recommendations for how AI can be used effectively in media literacy education worldwide, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative approach between technology developers, educators, and policymakers.

This case study offers valuable lessons on the potential of AI to transform media literacy education, equipping students with the tools they need to navigate the digital world with confidence and discernment.

Author

• NIKOLAOS PANAGIOTOU, School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Aristotle University of Thessalon