On the 28th of January in Nicosia, Cyprus an important event was hosted for European Safe Online Interactions. This event marks not only the starting point of something extraordinary but also the official launch of the TackleDisInfo initiative in which OTB is a partner. This initiative is a pioneering EU-funded project that holds the promise of fostering critical thinking skills to counteract disinformation, nurturing digitally adept European citizens across Europe.
The proliferation of misinformation online has escalated into a significant issue, marked by the spread of fake news, conspiracy theories, and various misinformation forms. Recognising the threat this poses to its citizens and the foundation of democracy, the European Union, in 2022, unveiled the “Guidelines for Teachers and Educators on Tackling Disinformation and Promoting Digital Literacy”. This document emphasises the urgent need for educational programmes aimed at enhancing digital literacy and critical thinking skills. This urgency is underscored by the 2022 Digital Economy and Society Index report, which reveals that a mere fraction of Europeans engaging with the internet demonstrate basic digital competencies.
TackleDisInfo aspires to meet this educational deficit by equipping educators with the tools to combat disinformation and foster digital literacy, pivotal for cultivating well-informed European citizens. These citizens will be equipped with the necessary skills to discern between credible sources and falsehoods online. TackleDisInfo’s educational initiatives promise to arm educators with the expertise required to guide students in the digital realm, encourage the dissemination of accurate information, and integrate digital literacy into their teaching methodologies. Such efforts are crucial for the development of a resilient digital European community.
TackleDisInfo aims to equip educators and trainers with the necessary digital literacy and critical thinking skills to counteract disinformation. To achieve this, TackleDisInfo is set to create an interactive digital platform, incorporating gamification strategies to educate educators and trainers on digital literacy and critical thinking, consistent with the EU’s (2022) Guidelines on Tackling Disinformation and Promoting Digital Literacy.
Expected results from TackleDisInfo include the creation of a VET educational package consisting of 4 modules, which will be transformed into an interactive digital platform utilising gamification techniques to enhance digital literacy and critical thinking skills. It will be rolled out across 5 EU countries, targeting a minimum of 150 VET educators and trainers. Additionally, the project will launch awareness campaigns, featuring an International Conference in Italy and 4 Information Days spread around partner countries.
As technology develops, citizens are more exposed to online threats and manipulation, and sustainability concerns grow. Therefore the need for skilled, critical citizens becomes increasingly needed. TackleDisInfo steps into this arena, serving as the bridge that abolishes the skills gap. TackleDisInformation envisions providing fresh talent through vocational education and training programs. These programs are designed to equip individuals with the specialised skills necessary to thrive in the digital world.
The launch of the project TackleDisInfo represents a key element in European safe online interaction towards sustainable, digitally empowered, and resilient future citizens. With the support of a powerful and diverse consortium and a commitment to bridging the skills gap, this initiative sets the stage for a dimension of our lives that won’t stop growing, ensuring prosperity and progress for all.
An exciting new era in the European digital realm awaits!
