Welcome to the MLI Monthly Update!
Have something you want to share with the membership? Tell us about it by emailing us at info@medialiteracyireland.ie. We are particularly interested in including your resources in the Training and Development section of the MLI website.
This Month in Media Literacy
The holiday season has arrived, and we are delighted to share our final newsletter of 2024. December kicked off with our annual Media Literacy Ireland Conference on the 4th, which marked the culmination of a busy and successful year. We would like to thank Coimisiún na Meán, Google, and all of the speakers, panelists and attendees for making the conference such a success. As 2024 ends, we would like to thank you, our members, for your significant contributions and interest in promoting media literacy. We look forward to collaborating with you again in 2025.
Announcements
AI Literacy in the Classroom (ADAPT)
On 14 October 2024, ADAPT launched the ‘AI Literacy in the Classroom’ programme aimed at helping secondary school teachers across Ireland enhance their understanding of artificial intelligence. With support from Google, the initiative provides educators with practical tools and resources to teach AI concepts, and guide students in using AI technologies critically and responsibly.
More
ATHENA project
The ATHENA consortium – made up of 14 partners from 11 countries – has contributed to the European Democracy Shield initiative. After analysing 32 case studies on foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), as well as the tactics used by attackers, the consortium has provided key policy recommendations. Their comprehensive report, the ATHENA report on FIMI, took over a year to complete and includes 1,400 footnotes, drawing from a wide range of sources including articles, reports and interviews.
More
MEDEA Awards 2025: Call for Entries Now Open
The Media & Learning Association’s annual competition to reward best use of media to support education at all levels is now open for entries! They are looking for entries that demonstrate excellent use of multimedia in a learning setting, including videos, audio, simulations, AR/VR/XR apps, podcasts, vlogs, animations and any other excellent use of educational multimedia. Entries are welcome from students, teachers, schools, production facilities, universities, training companies, agencies and anyone else working on the creation and use of educational multimedia. The deadline for receipt of entries is 28 February 2025.
More
Could you be an MLI speaker or trainer?
Due to a significant increase in the number of invitations for MLI to participate in conferences, deliver talks and provide training, we are investigating the possibility of creating a panel of MLI speakers and trainers from the MLI membership who could, on occasion, be called upon to represent MLI at events and talks. If this sounds like something that you would be interested in, please complete this short expression of interest form.
More
Events
The Guardian Foundation CPD: 21 & 28 January
The Guardian Foundation is offering expert CPD from news literacy and PSHE specialists.
Join this free training session to learn how to support children in producing authentic written and audio news reports.
More
Safer Internet Day: 11 February
Safer Internet Day (SID) is an EU-wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people. It is promoted in Ireland by Oide Technology in Education and Webwise, and this year’s theme is ‘Prepare/Protect/Thrive: Navigating algorithms and influencers’. It’s never too early to think about what you will do for Safer Internet Day, and there are lots of ways to join in the celebrations. Have a look at the supporter pack and visit the Webwise Safer Internet Day Hub for ideas, activities and free resources.
More
In Case You Missed It
BBC Bitesize: Other Side of the Story
The Other Side of the Story campaign from BBC Bitesize has completed a new series of media literacy workshops in secondary schools across the UK. They support students with critical thinking skills, and give them practical insight into how news stories are constructed – and often manipulated – online.
More
Digital Futures for Children Centre (DFC) – Report on smartphone policies in schools
The joint London School of Economics (LSE) and 5Rights Digital Futures for Children research centre has recently published a report titled ‘Smartphone policies in schools: What does the evidence say?’, collating the most up-to-date international evidence to uncover the efficacy of smartphone policies that restrict use at school.
More
Internet Matters
Internet Matters has published its latest report, ‘The new face of digital abuse: Children’s experiences of nude deepfakes.’ The report highlights the growing challenge of nude deepfakes, including teens’ experiences and families’ views on the prevalence of ‘nudifying’ tools. The rise of generative AI tools has made it significantly easier to create realistic sexual deepfakes, with nude deepfakes making up around 98% of all deepfakes.
More
Media Literacy Ireland Conference 2024
On 4 December 2024, Media Literacy Ireland hosted its annual conference at the Foundry in Dublin. The conference, themed ‘Media Literacy for All’, provided a valuable opportunity for MLI members to connect, collaborate and exchange ideas. The day was packed with impactful sessions, including an overview of MLI by National Coordinator, Martina Chapman, a keynote speech from Dr Leo Pekkala from KAVI, Finland, and a variety of insightful panel talks. Dr Pekkala discussed the evolution and integration of media education in Finland’s curriculum, emphasising its long-term development over five decades. He highlighted the importance of critical media literacy and the role of trust in society. The first panel discussion tackled pressing topics such as AI, media regulation and disinformation. Lightning talks showcased community-based media literacy initiatives, while a session on AI provided insights into the evolving media landscape. Recordings of the sessions are available here for those who missed the event. A full rundown of the day is also available.
More
Media Smart: Education from the Advertising Industry
Media Smart provides free teaching resources and parent guides on subjects including social media, body image, influencer marketing, greenwashing and digital advertising.
More
Ofcom Report: Making Sense of Media
On 27 November, Ofcom published a report ‘Understanding misinformation: an exploration of UK adults’ behaviour and attitudes’. This research has been conducted to help inform Ofcom’s media literacy duty to heighten public awareness and understanding of the nature and impact of misinformation and disinformation online, as well as finding ways to mitigate exposure to such information. Among the key takeaways, it was revealed that 47% of UK adults encountering potentially false content online simply move on, and 90% express concern about its societal impact. One-third (33%) of UK adults say they are not confident judging whether an image, audio or video has been created by AI.
More
Resource of the Month
The AI or real quiz: Christmas edition
Artificial intelligence is already very impressive, with many AI images and videos so flawless that it can be difficult to tell what’s fake and what’s real. But as it continues to develop, will this become an impossible task? Challenge yourself with this Christmas edition of AI or real!
More
Thanks for reading!
If you have a colleague or friend who might enjoy these updates, they can register to become an MLI member or just subscribe to receive the newsletter. For any membership issues, or if you have something to include in next month’s edition of the newsletter please email info@medialiteracyireland.ie
Wishing you a joyful holiday season!
Kind regards,
The MLI Team
