Register now! UNESCO’s free online Media and Information Literacy course for youth

UNESCO, in partnership with Athabasca University and in cooperation with the UNESCO-UNAOC University Network on Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue, opens a third call for registration for online course on media and information literacy (MIL).

 

This entry-level online course will provide youth with basic media and information competencies to become critical citizens and agents of change. The course is designed to enable youth to:

• Understand why media and other information providers are important to development and democratic societies;
• Recognise a need for information and to locate, access, organise and carefully evaluate information and the content of media and other information providers;
• Use and share information based on moral principles or accepted standards of social behaviour – in light of opportunities and potential risks;
• Interact with media and other information providers to freely express themselves, share their culture and learn about other cultures, promote gender equality, and participate in democratic and development activities.

The course is based on the MIL Curriculum and the Freedom of Expression (FOE) Toolkit published by UNESCO. 

A central theme throughout  this 10-week course is how media and information literacy can enable youth to be actively involved in intercultural dialogue, advocating for equality between women/girls and men/boys, and freedom of expression.  

The course is offered through Athabasca University’s online e-Lab, using the learning management system, Moodle.  Most sessions will be self-directed, with ongoing interaction with the course presenters in the online space. 

Athabasca is a Canadian university that holds a UNESCO Chair on open education resources. Athabasca University is an associate member of the UNESCO-UNAOC University Network on Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue.

Applicants should be youth (females and males between the ages 15-25). Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate from Athabasca University. 

In order to successfully complete this course participants will need regular access to a computer and Internet access to download documents, listen to podcasts and view online videos. 

To apply, please click here. Application must be completed by 20 April 2015. There are no associated fees to participants who wish to do this course. 

This MIL course includes a research component being carried out by UNESCO.

Online Media and Information Literacy Course Units:

 

Unit 1 – Media and Information Literacy (MIL): An Introduction

Unit 2 – Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue

Unit 3 – Media and Information Literacy: Evaluating and Using Information and Media Content

Unit 4 – Media and Information Literacy: Using Research and Analysis to Produce Your Own Information and Media Content

Unit 5 – Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Information, Freedom of the Press

Unit 6 - Representations of Gender in the Media, Books, on the Internet and in History

Unit 7 – Media and Information Ethics in Relation to the Needs of Big Business, Politics and Development

Unit 8 – Understanding and Evaluating the World of Advertising

Unit 9 – The Challenges and Opportunities of Media, Libraries and New Technologies for Youth

Unit 10 – Engaging with Media and Using New Technology and Information for Social Action

You can read the article also here:

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/resources/news-and-in-focus-articles/all-news/news/register_now_unescos_online_media_and_information_literacy_course_for_youth-1/