Commission publishes Guidelines on disinformation and digital literacy

The Guidelines offer primary and secondary teachers tips and activities on disinformation and digital literacy.

This week, the European Commission published Guidelines for Teachers and Educators on Tackling Disinformation and Promoting Digital Literacy Through Education and Training. The Guidelines were created as one of the key initiatives of the Digital Education Action Plan (2021-2027) and are intended for all primary and secondary teachers, regardless of their level of experience with this topic and with digitalization in education in general.

The main aim of the Guidelines is to help increase pupils' digital literacy across different subjects and to provide practical information and tips on how to approach teaching about disinformation. Specifically, it focuses on developing critical thinking, understanding of different types and levels of disinformation or identifying "deep fakes" (realistic editing of the faces of people on videos who then convey incorrect information). The Guidelines also include information on the responsible use of digital technologies and on the assessment of students' competencies in the field of digital literacy.

The Guidelines are divided into 8 sections. The introductory chapters are followed by definitions of key terms and a section dedicated to classrooms' environment and support for teaching on the topic of disinformation and digital literacy in schools. The final three sections focus on digital literacy, disinformation and students' assessment in these areas. The Guidelines focus primarily on practical use in schools, offering, for example, 12 specific activity plans in three thematic areas (introduction to the issue, digital literacy, disinformation) or practical tips for teachers and students in the field of digital pedagogy (e.g. how to engage students or parents, fact-checking, etc.).   

You can find more information on the European Education Area website, in the infographic, the factsheet and in the Guidelines themselves.  

Background 

According to the OECD, only about half of 15-year-old students learn how to recognize whether specific information is subjective or biased. At the same time, the ICILS study (International Computer and Information Literacy Study) shows that one third of 8th graders do not reach the basic level of digital skills. The Guidelines published as part of the Digital Education Action Plan (2021-2027) respond to the needs associated with the digital competencies of pupils and thus help to fulfill the goals of the European Education Area until 2025. The Gudidelines are also based on other strategic documents at the European level, such as the Action Plan on Disinformation, the European Action Plan for Democracy or the updated European Strategy for a Better Internet for Children (BIK+).

The Guidelines are the result of the work of an external working group which included representatives of various fields, such as teachers, technology companies, civil society, journalists and other experts. The Gudidelines are also accompanied by a Final report which contains the main conclusions and recommendations of this working group, including relevant key initiatives at European and national levels.