Abstract:
As democracy faces challenges like rising authoritarianism, declining trust in journalism, and widespread disinformation, educators are essential in equipping students with the skills to navigate this complex media landscape. This session will examine how disinformation and polarization, worsened by AI technologies like deepfakes, affect young people’s engagement with news. Many students increasingly rely on algorithm-driven content, often neglecting crucial news sources. In this context, Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is vital for fostering informed citizenship and supporting democratic values. The session will present DW Akademie (DWA)’s MIL approach, featuring creative and interactive activities designed to engage students and promote critical thinking. DWA’s „MIL Heroes and Villains“ storytelling method encourages role-playing and analysis of media narratives, transforming passive consumption into active participation. Additionally, it will explore the role of media in elections and democratic practices, emphasizing the need to regain trust in public interest media. By equipping individuals with the skills to critically assess information and actively participate in the media environment, we can help ensure that democracy prevails.
Bio:
Roslyn Kratochvil Moore is Head of Digital Sphere at DW Akademie where she is responsible for thematic topics such as Media and Information Literacy (MIL), Digital Rights, Innovation for Dialogue, Digital Authoritarianism and Digital Security. She has over 20 years’ experience in international development mainly focusing on education projects. She has lived and worked for many years in India, Kenya and Sudan. Roslyn has been working for DW Akademie since 2015, based in Bonn, Germany, but is originally from Scotland.