In the modern digital age, media literacy is becoming an increasingly important competency for every individual. With this in mind, HUDI has organized an educational program aimed at empowering students and professors in the fight against disinformation and online fraud.
VERN' University held a training course in collaboration with the Google News Initiative (GNI) and the Croatian Association of Digital Researchers (HUDI), which was implemented as part of the measure of the Agency for Electronic Media entitled "Establishment of a media fact-checking and public data disclosure system". This training aims to improve students' abilities in critically assessing information available on the internet and ensure their readiness to independently check facts.
Students and professors from VERN' University involved in the project participated in training that covered various available fact-checking tools, as well as techniques for protecting against online fraud. Educators from GNI presented in detail methods for recognizing false information and propaganda, and how to use specialized tools for data analysis and validation.
The aim of the training was to train students to critically reflect and evaluate information they encounter on the internet every day, and to independently verify its validity. In today's digital age, where access to information is easier than ever before, but at the same time there is a large amount of false and inaccurate information, the ability to distinguish facts from disinformation is becoming a key skill. Through this training, students gained practical knowledge that will help them in future professional and personal challenges related to information literacy.
"An important part of the project that VERN University launched after the tender 'Establishment of a media fact-checking and public data disclosure system' of the Agency for Electronic Media and the Ministry of Culture and Media is education. That is why we are implementing our TurFacto fact-checking service project through various education programs for the academic community, the media and the general public, and the education of Google representatives has contributed to a broader understanding of cybersecurity and tools for combating disinformation," emphasized TurFacto editor-in-chief, Dr. Marija Slijepčević .
One of the main focuses of the training was on fact-checking tools. Students were introduced to Google's fact-checking tools and learned how to interpret and use information obtained from reliable sources. In addition, topics related to protecting against online fraud were covered, including recognizing phishing attacks, fake emails, and other forms of online fraud.
The education was beneficial for all participants. Students gained valuable knowledge and skills that will be useful to them in project and academic work, but also in their private lives. Professors also had the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills, which will enable them to transfer knowledge to their students even more effectively. The joint work of professors and students during the education encouraged the exchange of ideas and experiences, which further enriched the learning process.
The collaboration between VERN' University and HUDI in this project represents a significant step towards better information literacy and empowering young people to face the challenges of the modern digital world. Through such education, students acquire not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical skills that will be useful to them throughout their lives.
Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author only and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the European Union or the European Commission, nor of the Agency for Electronic Media. The European Union and the European Commission, nor the Agency for Electronic Media, cannot be held responsible for them.
