Technology, Ethics and the Futures of Education: The Necessity of Media and Information Literacy for All

Enfoque

At a time of explosion of information and threats of disinformation in a turbulent world, Media and Information Literacy (MIL) has become an urgent need and a basic human right to be accessible and empowering to all, across curricula and age groups, as an integral part of quality transformative education for all. The aim of this paper is to show that Media and Information Literacy is a fundamental requirement for building resilient generations of critical, reflective and creative thinkers with independent judgment and agency, able to engage with media, information and digital technology in meaningful and effective ways, and to engage with society with a democratic and participative mind, open to multiple perspectives and intercultural dialogue.

More specifically, this study investigates the concept of ¨Media and Information Literacy¨ (MIL) and provides a qualitative assessment of the specific institutional frameworks and initiatives undertaken by the European Commission and UNESCO to tackle the challenges associated with the education, participation, and cooperation of youth in the fast-evolving digital environment. Raising awareness and empowering young people with MIL knowledge, skills, ethical values, and attitudes for a fulfilled digital citizenship engrained into well-being, empathy and productivity could enable young generations to be changemakers and to contribute to intercultural dialogue and social development. Among others, media literacy competences include technical, cognitive, social, civic and creative skills that facilitate youth participation and engagement in a convergent media environment. Building resilience for active citizenship via MIL represents a key priority for various stakeholders including government authorities, policymakers, regulatory authorities, academics, educational institutions, NGOs, news media organizations and big tech companies. At the European level, various initiatives and projects were implemented aimed at promoting media and information literacy, research, educational instruments. Specifically, the Expert Group on Media Literacy (MLEG) brings together media literacy stakeholders. On the other hand, since 2011, UNESCO celebrates annually the Global Media and Information Literacy Week, an event aimed at raising awareness on the major achievements and developments on the topic. The Digital Learning Week is another initiative undertaken by UNESCO to bring into the spotlight digital innovation and technology for education. The authors draw on the leading global UNESCO initiative of Media and Information Literacy for All, to which one has been closely associated since the setting up of the UNESCO International University Network on Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue and the launch of the UNESCO Global MIL Week in 2011, annually celebrated in the last week of October. The Second UNESCO MIL Curriculum for Teachers, titled “Think Critically, Click Wisely” gives global directions as to how to maximize benefits of digital technology while at the same time minimize its threats, highlighting a human-rights based approach.

By focusing on the institutional frameworks of media and information literacy, the study contributes to current research as it sheds light on the ethical and social challenges faced by young people, providing new insights on the policy dimensions of MIL at the international level.