Training program on artificial intelligence for media literacy trainers of the Czech initiative ""Zvol si info""

Description

"Zvol si info" is a Czech initiative focused on developing media literacy and critical thinking skills. It conducts workshops for students, primarily in regional areas. The challenge is to educate trainers for AI workshops in schools. AI poses problems for journalism, media literacy, and critical thinking due to misinformation, content personalization, information bubbles, bias, discrimination, and automated journalism. Strengthening media literacy is crucial to address these issues and responsibly utilize AI. The project aims to provide education for "Zvol si info" members to apply skills in practice and develop a teacher workshop.

Summary of project results

The grant project "Training program on artificial intelligence for media literacy trainers of the Czech initiative ''Zvol si info''" was designed to address several key societal challenges:

1. Spread of Disinformation:
   • The project aimed to combat the growing issue of disinformation, which is exacerbated by the rise of digital media and AI technologies. Disinformation poses a significant threat to democratic values and informed citizenship, making it essential to equip trainers with the tools to identify and counteract false information.
2. Media Literacy in the Digital Age:
   • There is a critical need to enhance media literacy among educators and the general public. The project focused on bridging the gap in understanding how media and information are influenced by AI, helping trainers educate others on recognizing and critically evaluating media content.
3. Understanding the Impact of AI:
   • Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping the media landscape, from personalized content to automated journalism. The project aimed to provide a deep understanding of AI''s role in media, addressing concerns such as informational bubbles, bias, and the ethical implications of AI in journalism.
4. Educational Gaps in AI Knowledge:
   • Many educators lack sufficient knowledge of AI and its implications. This project sought to fill this educational gap by training media literacy trainers in AI, thereby enabling them to pass on this crucial knowledge to students and the broader community.
5. Promoting Critical Thinking:
   • In an era of rapid information dissemination, critical thinking skills are more important than ever. The project aimed to promote critical thinking by teaching participants how to analyze and evaluate information sources, fostering a more discerning and informed public.

Overall, the project addressed the urgent need to enhance media literacy and AI comprehension, empowering educators to foster critical thinking and resilience in the face of evolving digital challenges.

 

The project accomplished significant milestones through the following activities and outputs:

Activities:

1. Internal Training for Zvol si info Members:
   • We conducted three intensive internal training sessions focused on artificial intelligence. These seminars were designed to provide Zvol si info members with in-depth knowledge of AI and its application in media literacy.
2. Workshops for Teachers:
   • We organized three workshops for teachers, integrating media education with AI topics. These workshops were held in collaboration with the Regional Education Center in Plzeň and the school in Údlice. Participants gained practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to incorporate AI into their media literacy curricula.
3. Partnerships and Collaborations:
   • We established strategic partnerships with the Aignos project and collaborated with experts such as Sara Polak and Lukáš Hána. This collaboration brought valuable expertise and support to the project, significantly contributing to the success of our activities.

Outputs: 

• The project successfully engaged and trained a total of 30 teachers and educators. These participants are now equipped to integrate AI concepts into their media literacy education, thereby enhancing the overall quality and effectiveness of their teaching. 

1. Development of Tailored Workshops:
   • By conducting workshops in smaller groups, we were able to delve deeper into the subject matter, making the sessions more interactive and personalized. This approach allowed us to address individual needs more effectively and provided participants with a richer learning experience.
2. Enhanced Knowledge of AI and Media Literacy:
   • The training sessions and workshops provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of AI''s role in media, its potential biases, and its impact on information dissemination. This enhanced knowledge is crucial for combating disinformation and promoting critical thinking.
3. Improved Organizational Practices:
   • The project highlighted the importance of systematic documentation and compliance with grant conditions, leading to the implementation of better internal monitoring and reporting practices. This improvement in organizational practices will benefit future projects and initiatives.

Overall, the project successfully addressed key challenges related to AI and media literacy, empowered educators with new skills and knowledge, and established a framework for future educational initiatives.

 

The project achieved significant outcomes, positively impacting various target groups. Members of Zvol si info gained enhanced knowledge and skills through three intensive internal training sessions, enabling them to effectively educate others about AI and combat misinformation. The project improved media literacy among 30 teachers and educators who participated in the workshops, providing them with practical skills and theoretical knowledge to integrate AI into their curricula. Collaborations with the Regional Education Center in Plzeň, the school in Údlice, and experts like Sara Polak and Lukáš Hána enriched the project by bringing valuable expertise and support. This fostered effective collaboration and networking within the broader educational community. Additionally, the project led to positive organizational development for Zvol si info, improving internal monitoring, reporting practices, coordination, and time management. Increased public engagement and awareness were achieved through targeted publicity efforts, raising awareness about the importance of media literacy and the impact of AI. Overall, the project successfully addressed key challenges related to AI and media literacy, empowering educators with new skills and knowledge and establishing a strong foundation for future educational initiatives.