Fostering critical digital citizenship skills: navigating misinformation and media bias

• In Event: Highlighted Session: Citizenship education and teaching digital competencies for a polarized time

Proposal

In an era marked by increasing polarization and the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, equipping individuals with digital competencies is more critical than ever. In this session, we will share insights from implementing the World Learning curricula in three countries, each with linguistically and ethnically diverse populations. This diversity often leads to the consumption of different, and frequently biased, news stories, shaping varied perceptions of issues and events. Our programs were designed to address these challenges by helping participants broaden their understanding of how to access and think critically about diverse sources of information, and use digital tools to promote positive messaging. Our presentation will cover what we learned from these efforts, including strategies for overcoming misinformation and fostering more inclusive and informed digital engagement.

The first curriculum, Digital Citizenship, is for high school students and older youth. Based on the ISTE standards, it is structured around three core modules: communication and collaboration, media literacy, and digital storytelling. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of recognizing credible information, understanding the impact of digital media on public opinion, and fostering a sense of digital agency. Through interactive lessons and real-world scenarios, participants learn and apply skills related to critically evaluate digital content, communicate effectively in diverse digital environments, and use digital storytelling as a tool for advocacy and engagement.

The second curriculum, Media Literacy for Civil Society (MLCS), is an intensive 48-hour course over six weeks designed for advocates and civil society representatives from small to medium-sized organizations. Developed by international and local experts with funding from Facebook, the course deepens participants' understanding of the media landscape and equips them to engage more effectively in a democratic society. It covers key topics such as differentiating types of media, understanding ethical and legal frameworks, recognizing biases and misinformation, and protecting personal and organizational data. Through reflection, discussion, and practical application, participants learn to critically analyze media content, use tools to identify and counter media narratives aiming to sow distrust and tension, and leverage media for advocacy, all while safeguarding against digital threats.

Both curricula are designed to respond to the current challenges of a polarized digital age by fostering critical thinking, ethical engagement, and proactive participation in democratic processes. They provide foundational tools to understand and operate within the media landscape in an informed, effective, and just manner. By focusing on broadening access to diverse information and using digital tools for positive messaging, these programs help participants overcome biases shaped by different linguistic and cultural contexts. This panel will explore the development, implementation, and impact of these curricula, sharing insights and lessons learned from teaching digital competencies in diverse contexts. By preparing individuals to navigate and challenge misinformation and disinformation, these programs aim to promote more a more informed and engaged society.

Author

• Alexandra Levy, World Learning