How to survive and thrive in the digital world? Experts from the Media Literacy+ platform offered answers to this question during Media and Information Literacy Week. All activities prepared by the platform’s initiative members this year revolved around the theme "Opportunities vs. Responsibility: How to Live in the Digital World." The week included workshops, discussions, and a conference, and also produced a guide for thriving online.
“Discussing the online space in terms of both opportunities and responsibilities is essential today, as the ability to critically analyse online content and know how to responsibly use technology is key to survival in the digital age,” explained Viktória Norisová, Media Literacy Coordinator at the Council for Media Services, regarding the theme selection. “In just one week, we managed to organise over one hundred hours of educational activities and discussions attended by over 1,500 participants. I would like to thank all colleagues from the Media Literacy+ platform for their contributions to supporting media literacy in Slovakia,” V. Norisová added.
The Council for Media Services participated in Media Literacy Week not only as a coordinator of the platform, but also in collaboration with Prešov University and the Regional Support Centre for Teachers by organising a conference focused on the current challenges of digital education. Dozens of teachers, digital coordinators, and library staff contributed their experiences to finding a balance between the opportunities offered by the digital world and the responsibilities necessary for their use. Conference participants joined workshops that introduced the world of artificial intelligence, explained the behaviour of young people online, highlighted the risks of sharing unverified information, familiarised them with basic critical thinking tools, and also emphasised the positive impact of reading books in reducing the adverse effects of the digital age on children and their development.
“The conference exceeded my expectations; I’m very glad I participated. I appreciated the range and content of topics and workshops. I took away many excellent ideas that I will use not only in media literacy classes. I am pleased with all the resources provided, from which I will draw new ideas and relevant information. And it’s worth mentioning that the conference took place in a very friendly and kind atmosphere—we had the chance to get to know each other, network, and establish collaborations. I’m already looking forward to next year,” said Alena Rapčan Štrompová, a participant from Ľudovít Fulla Elementary School in Košice.
Photos: Peter Haľko