Empowering Education: How the MILES partnership Aligns with European Commission Guidelines to Tackle Disinformation

Empowering Education: How the MILES partnership Aligns with European Commission Guidelines to Tackle Disinformation

Friday, November 29, 2024

In an era increasingly dominated by digital interactions, the European Commission has taken a proactive stance on addressing disinformation and fostering media literacy. Through its comprehensive guidelines, part of the Digital Education Plan (2021-2027), the Commission aims to equip educators and students with the critical skills needed to navigate the digital landscape responsibly. These guidelines provide a robust framework for creating resilient, informed communities across Europe (European Commission, 2020). 

According to the European Commission (2020), these are the guidelines

- Developing Critical Thinking: Encourage the evaluation of online content to identify and challenge disinformation.

- Safe Use of Digital Technologies:  Promote responsible and secure engagement with digital tools. 

- Support for Teachers: Provide activity plans, practical tips and pedagogical strategies to tackle disinformation effectively in classrooms. 

- Inclusive Approach: Cater to educators with different levels of digital competence, ensuring accessibility for all. 

- Building Resilience: Enhance awareness and resilience among young people, equipping them to deal with false information confidently. 

- Fostering Trust in Classrooms: Create safe spaces where sensitive issues can be discussed openly and constructively. 

According to Wardle and Derakhshan (2017), tackling disinformation requires not only the identification of false content but also the strengthening of communities' resilience to resist manipulation. The European Commission’s guidelines address this issue by promoting digital literacy and critical thinking among young people. 

Relevance to the MILES Partnership: 

The MILES endeavour aligns seamlessly with the European Commission's guidelines by: 

  • Equipping educators with tools to apply these strategies in diverse educational contexts. 
  • Bridging theoretical guidance with practical classroom implementation. 
  • Strengthening students’ critical thinking abilities, reinforcing their resilience against digital misinformation. 

This alignment positions MILES as a cornerstone initiative in shaping a generation that is not only digitally literate but also equipped with the critical thinking necessary to navigate and challenge the complexities of the digital age! 

References

Digital Education Plan (2021-2027): Digital Education Action Plan (2021-2027) - European Education Area

Wardle, C. & Derakshan, H. (2017) Information Disorder: Toward an interdisciplinary framework for research and policy making, Council of Europe

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