The Global Media and Information Literacy week feature conference, which took place in Jordam 30-31 October 2024, produced the Amman declaration on strengthening media and information literacy to advance public-interest information in the digital age which claims to be currently available in Arabic and English, but at the moment both links lead to the English version. The English version is here. The page with the links is here, and hopefully the faulty Arabic link will be corrected shortly.
After a 2 page preamble there are commitments and recommendations for governments, for UNESCO and other intergovernmental organizations, for Digital platforms and technology companies, and for Civil society, media, youth, academic institutions and researchers.
The recommendations for governments include "ENACT robust national and regional media and information literacy policies and
strategies to sustain media and information literacy for all; allocate resources to
advance implementation, ensuring inclusive and multistakeholder engagement; and
integrate media and information literacy in upskilling programmes, national
development priorities, governance processes;" "SUPPORT the integration of media and information literacy into formal and non-formal
education systems and life-long learning, empowering learners and educators to
critically assess digital content;"
The recommendations for UNESCO etc. include "PROMOTE cooperation on media and information literacy among United Nations
Agencies/Funds/Programmes and regional and international intergovernmental bodies
in line with Para 35 of the Global Digital Compact of the Pact for the Future;"
The recommendations for digital platforms include: "PROVIDE users and content creators with tools and resources, developed in
partnership with multistakeholder groups and based on established standards, to
enhance media and information literacy as critical thinking skills, including flagging AIgenerated
content, and implementing content moderation systems that are inclusive
and free from bias;"
The recommendations for Civil Society organisations include "LAUNCH initiatives that promote media and information literacy beyond formal
education systems, and specifically among youth, marginalized communities and
elderly persons, empowering them with the skills to be informed creators and
discerning consumers of digital content"
There are also recommendations specifically to do with MIL in crisis situations, as well as ones to do with MIL cities.
UNESCO has today launched Operational guidelines: constructing UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Cities. It starts by saying "Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is essential for navigating today’s
complex information landscape. Media and Information Literacy skills directly support the right to information and freedom of expression, whilst also empowering individuals with the skills needed to combat disinformation, hate speech, social exclusion, and racism."
There is a table of 10 MIL Cities stakeholder groups and their potential actions. The 10th "others" group is "families, libraries, community centers, and NGOs among others" and it notes that "Libraries serve as accessible hubs for information and learning, providing resources and programmes that enhance MIL among citizens. Librarians, with their expertise in information management and dissemination, act as facilitators and educators, guiding individuals in navigating the complex information ecosystem."
There is a short statement on how MIL cities can support human rights. There are some short paragraphs giving examples of MIL cities around the world some mentioning libraries e.g. "The city of Gothenburg has been active in promoting Media and Information Literacy, especially through its public libraries. The city’s libraries offer a range of programmes and workshops aimed at enhancing citizens’ information literacy and critical thinking skills".
There is a table showing connections with other UNESCO cities initiatives e.g. Creative cities. Then there are few final pages laying out steps for developing and monitoing a MIL city. I haven't had time to compare this document with the previous UNESCO MIL Cities guidelines, but it does look as though it has built on that publication.
You can download the publication here https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000391748
Today (30th October) is the first day of the UNESCO Global Media and Information Literacy Week feature conference, taking place in Jordan.
It starts at 9.15 (Jordan time, which is, for example 6.15 in the UK, 7.15 Paris time) and the programme is here https://www.unesco.org/en/weeks/media-information-literacy-2024/programme?hub=66833 You can watch the conference on Youtube
- In English here: https://www.youtube.com/live/PlTWPOEamwI
- In Arabic here: https://www.youtube.com/live/rcmxSrqpnH8
- In French here: https://www.youtube.com/live/O6L8meE16lc
IT Girls Rock (STEAM Engine Global) have organised a free webinar Tech Talk: Analyzing the Media Landscape & Generative AI's Impact on Knowledge Diversity which is running twice, to suit people in different time zones:
Session 1: USA/Australia/Asia friendly: 29 Oct at 7pm US EST, 4pm US PST; 30 Oct at 7am Australian WST, 9am AEST.
Session 2: Wed 30 Oct at 7pm AWST, 9pm AEST; Wed 30 Oct at 12pm GMT+1 (so 11am UK time); 30 Oct at 7am EST (however at the moment it seems like you can only register for session 1. Perhaps the same ticket works for both)
"Join us for an engaging event where we critically examine who writes the stories of tech—exploring the diversity of sources, authorship, and representation across gender, age, culture, race, and ability. In this interactive session, we'll assess news and media coverage of technology, diving into the impact of underrepresentation and imbalances in media voices. We'll also explore the growing influence of Generative AI and the "blind" use of these tools in creating content. Does AI help or hinder diversity in knowledge sharing? What are the risks and opportunities of relying on AI-generated media, and how can we ensure inclusive perspectives are maintained? Together, we’ll uncover solutions for creating a more balanced and diverse digital landscape."
https://events.humanitix.com/tech-talk-analyzing-the-media-landscape-and-generative-ai-s-impact-on-knowledge-diversity-unesco
Today's Global Media and Information Literacy week offering is an interview (10 minutes) with Dr. Rihards Bambals, Director of Strategic Communication at the State Chancellery of Latvia, recorded today (26 October).
Go to https://youtu.be/VsM6IdNtoA4?si=R7nnkDRwsdI3_pWF
For Global Media and Information Literacy Week UNESCO just launched a new campaign #postwithcare, that possibly takes over from te previous #MILClicks campaign. "The campaign aims to encourage digital content creators worldwide to reflect on the way they create and share information on their platforms. They will particularly challenge their communities to consider their tendency to accept information without scrutiny due to the influencer’s perceived credibility."
The available items are:
- stickers as images or pdfs, in several languages (an example heads this post) which can be downloaded from a Trello board
- An 100 page ebook aimed at content creators Content Creators and Journalists: Redefining News and Credibility in the Digital Age: https://journalismcourses.org/ebook/content-creators-and-journalists-redefining-news-and-credibility-in-the-digital-age/
- A free online course available in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese: Digital Content Creators and Journalists: How to Be a Trusted Voice Online running 18 November - 15 December 2024 (by the Knight Center for Journalism in the USA) https://journalismcourses.org/product/digital-content-creators-and-journalists-how-to-be-a-trusted-voice-online/
The home page for this whole campaign is https://www.unesco.org/en/postwithcare
At the start of UNESCO's Global Media and Information Literacy Week here are 2 free webinars today
(1) The webinar I'm chairing today 4pm-5pm BST (time in the UK, US EST that's 11am-12noon) Information as a Discipline: what's the difference with me, Professor Clarence Maybee, Dr Karen Kaufmann, Dr Syeda Shahid, and Bill Johnston. It's co-organised by the CILIP Information Literacy Group, the Purdue University Institute for Information Literacy, USA, and the University of Sheffield Information School, Libraries and Information Society Research Group. UK. Go to: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cilipinformationliteracygroup/1381222
(2) The webinar organised by CILIPS Media and Information Literacy Community of Practice: Understanding Information and Media in 2024 24 October 2024, 2-4pm BST. This features: An overview of the community of practice; A preview of the new website for the community; Generative AI and schools; OFCOM and their 3 year media literacy strategy; DigiKnow – Young Scot and the Information literacy of young people; Fear of the Known – Conspiracy Theories webinar preview. Go to https://www.cilips.org.uk/events/milcop-open-meeting/
IFLA's Information Literacy & School Library Sections have organised a free webinar on 28 October 2024 at 15.00 Paris time (CEST, which is one hour ahead of UK time. Note that there will be one hour less time difference with North America that week, due to different dates changing the clocks, so e.g. US EST start time will be 10am). The title is: The New Digital Frontiers of Information: Media and Information Literacy for Public Interest Information through Libraries.
There are three pre-recorded presentations followed by a live Q&A. Speakers are:
- Damiano Orrù (Vilfredo Pareto Library, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy) Librarians for A.I. literacy in Italy: biblioSkill;
- Rebecca Morris (School of Computing and Information, University of Pittsburgh, USA) Be Kind and Save Time: Exploring Generative AI for Creating Accessible Learning Materials,
- Leen d’Haenens (Media Culture & Policy Lab, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium) Balancing Stakeholder Interests in Media Literacy and Digital Skills Interventions: A Guide for Researchers — Insights from the REMEDIS Project
More information and registration at
https://www.ifla.org/events/2024-global-media-and-information-literacy-week-information-literacy-school-library-sections-joint-webinar-globalmilweek-2/
UNESCO issued a Concept Note for the 2024 Global Media and Information Literacy Week (24-31 October), and specifically for the feature conference that will take place in Amman, Jordan 30-31 October. The theme is The New Digital Frontiers of Information Media and Information Literacy for Public Interest Information
"This year's theme will highlight the paramount importance of media and information literacy in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of information creation, dissemination, and consumption, paving the way for a safer, more inclusive, and empowering digital future for all."
"This year’s theme will highlight the importance of equipping people with the skills to think critically and evaluate information, discern fact from fiction, and engage responsibly in online discourse. This is particularly necessary in today’s digitalecosystem.
"Digital platforms have revolutionized the way information and news are created and consumed, allowing users to access, share and engage with content in real time. A new generation of online content creators, whether journalists, activists, or influencers, are reshaping how information is disseminated in unprecedented ways. ... while contributing to greater diversity of voices and perspectives online, this also raises questions about the reliability, professionalism, and ethics of the content produced. In addition, the emergence of generative artificial intelligence brings new complexities to the information landscape."
See the complete statement at
https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000390716.locale=enPhoto by Sheila Webber: sunny sky, Sheffield, August 2024
Following on from yesterday's post, once again Global Media and Information Literacy week includes a youth hackathon. Teams of 3-6 members aged between 18 and 30 years old can register, with the registration deadline 18 August 2024 and the deadline for submissions 8 September 2024.
"The participants will focus on one of the following topics to design innovative solution and scheme their proposals:
- "Empowering youth to become active participants in shaping the digital spaces they inhabit, finding ways to promote public interest information rather than passive consumers of information.
- "Exploring innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence.
- "Exploring receptive and effective approaches to Media and Information Literacy Education and Capacity Building through Peer education and Feeding Education.
- "Activating Youth Organizations to be agents of change through collaborating with digital content creators."
The proposed solutions can be Games; Applications/Websites; Radio programmes/Podcasts; Educational toolkits; Creative community-based interventions (non-technology focused) or other forms.
The submission takes the form of a 3 minute video plus a descripton of the solution. More information at https://www.unesco.org/en/weeks/media-information-literacy/youth-hackathon-2024
Photo by Sheila Webber: takeaway coffee on the beach, Bournemouth, June 2024
Today's main events included a virtual conference featuring voices of young people from around the world, with the theme Global Media and Information Literacy Week meets World Cities Day (Youth). You can find the full recording on Facebook at https://fb.watch/gw1pWNopyF/ on the MILCLICKS Facebook page.
A free webinar on 25 October 2022 at 10.00 UK time is Fighting back the Infodemic: CPD opportunities and initiatives for LIS professionals
"In this webinar you will learn more about infodemic as a concept and how we went from fake news to infodemic in the last five years; about training initiatives at the World Health Organization (WHO) and the ASEAN-USAID PROSPECT in Jakarta, Indonesia. You will also hear the clarion call on the role of the librarian in advocacy and the skills needed to fight infodemic and infobesity. "
This webinar is organized by IFLA Continuing Professional Development and Workforce Learning (CPDWL) Section in support of the Global Media and Information Literacy Week (Oct 24–31).
Register at
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WK8l3FeYQUmRtMakzE_sbg#/registration More information at ifla.org/jD70t
Today I was excited to speak in the session of the UNESCO Global Media and Information Literacy Week Feature Conference that focused on: World Cities Day meets Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2021: MIL Cities to address climate misinformation. The other speakers were: Dr. Alton Grizzle (Programme Specialist, Communication and Information Sector, UNESCO) who is the leading light in UNESCO's MIL campaign; Hussein Orekoya (Civil Engineer, Future of Cities in Africa, Nigeria); Dr. Felipe Chibás Ortiz (Associate Professor, University of São Paulo); Muhammad Radwan (The Glass Room Project Lead, Tactical Tech). I was too focused on the session to liveblog, but some links are:
- The MIL Cities framework and the MIL CLICKS campaign ("Think critically, click wisely"!) highlighted by Dr Alton Grizzle
- The online Glass Room Misinformation exhibition https://theglassroom.org/misinformation-edition/ which was presented by Muhammad Radwan of Tactical Tech " In this exhibition you can explore how social media and the web have changed the way we read information and react to it.... All exhibits are presented through a series of animations, visualisations and apps that can be experienced on desktop and mobile". The Glass Room has also been a physical exhibition aimed at creating critical engagement with digital technology.
- The MIL Cities Network, which was presented by Dr. Felipe Chibás Ortiz. There is a book just published which I will feature in a separate post, but here I will highlight a recent journal article on UNESCO MIL Cities Network As Opportunity for Development in Africa which was published a couple of months ago and the MIL Cities Network on Facebook, where they offer webinars etc.
- The Climathon - an ideathon running this week and "a city-based programme ... that offers a clear pathway to action and interaction - an opportunity for cities and citizens to co-create local ideas to shared climate challenges" mentioned by Hussein Orekoya who also talked about his work with a number of other youth organisations he is involved with.
My own presentation focused on the need to see older people as active and creative agents in the Media and Information Literate city. It is embedded below
The IFLA School Libraries and Information Literacy Sections have organised two free webinars "exploring perspectives on the role of information literacy education in fostering a smooth transition throughout a learner’s formal education journey from pre-Kindergarten to 20 and beyond". They both take place during Global Media and Information Literacy week on Zoom. For both, register before 25 October 2021
- Information literacy as a continuum for a successful transition to higher education. 27 October 2021, 14.00-16.00 (CEST). Speakers are: Elisabeth Burns (Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA) on PK-20 Information Literacy Standards: Perspectives on Implementation in the US; Kapil Vasudev, Amanda Folk, Jane Hammons, and Ann Hidal (The Ohio State University Libraries, USA) on Building Connections Between School and Academic Librarians in Columbus; Lim Bee Ang (Ngee Ann Polytechnic Library, Singapore), and Lim Hwa Shan (Nanyang Polytechnic Library, Singapore) on Towards a Digital Life@PolysTM Framework: Transformation of Digital & Media Literacy in the Polytechnic Libraries in Singapore. More info at https://www.ifla.org/events/information-literacy-as-a-continuum-for-a-successful-transition-to-higher-education/
- Educators’ Education and Training on Information Literacy. 28 October 2021 18.00-20.00 (CEST). Speakers are: Lesley Farmer (California State University, Long Beach, CA, USA) on Fake News as a Fulcrum for Lifelong Information Literacy Education; Amy Wong (St Peter’s School, York, UK) on Empower yourself, empower your learners: Building a network to support the development of your teaching practice; Durga Murari and Varsha Varma (SNDT Women’s University College of Education, Pune, India) on Teaching student teachers to teach information literacy. More info at https://www.ifla.org/events/educators-education-and-training-on-information-literacy/
