The Power of Digital Media in Education

Welcome to our transformative Teacher Training Course designed to prepare educators for the dynamic challenges of the 21st century classroom. In this intensive program, participants will delve into the realms of media literacy, technology integration, and innovative teaching methodologies. Our goal is to empower educators to navigate the evolving landscape of education, equipping them with the skills needed to engage, inspire, and foster critical thinking in the digital age.

As we embark on this journey together, we'll explore key concepts in media literacy, delve into the intricacies of social media, and discuss the impact of technology on education. Participants will not only gain insights into the preferences and behaviors of Generation Z students but also develop practical strategies to effectively leverage media, social platforms, and emerging technologies within their teaching practices.

Join us for a week of collaborative learning, interactive workshops, and engaging discussions as we equip you with the tools to create inclusive, technologically enriched, and culturally responsive learning environments.

COURSE OUTCOMES

By the end of this Teacher Training Course, educators will emerge well-equipped to navigate the complex intersection of education and media in the 21st century, ready to inspire and guide the next generation of learners.

Media Literacy Proficiency:

Participants will acquire a deep understanding of media literacy, distinguishing between traditional and new media, and gain practical skills in addressing the challenges of the digital information landscape.

Generation Z Engagement:

Educators will learn to connect with Generation Z students, understanding their thought processes, entertainment preferences, and the influence of opinion makers in the digital realm.

Social Media Integration:

Participants will explore the landscape of social media, discovering how to integrate it into educational strategies and classrooms, while addressing both the benefits and challenges associated with these platforms.

Critical Thinking Enhancement:

The course will equip educators with tools and techniques to promote critical thinking among students, including the ability to discern between real and fake information on social media.

Ethical Considerations and Cyber Safety:

Educators will gain insights into ethical considerations related to social media, including cyberbullying and online harassment, and learn strategies to create a safe online environment for students.

AI in Education Competence:

Participants will engage in discussions on the impact of artificial intelligence in education, exploring ethical considerations and practical uses of AI tools to enhance teaching efficiency.

METHODOLOGY FOR THE POWER OF DIGITAL MEDIA IN EDUCATION COURSE

Our Teacher Training Course is designed to be dynamic, interactive, and participant-centered, fostering an immersive learning experience. The methodology incorporates a variety of strategies to cater to diverse learning styles, ensuring that participants actively engage with the content and apply their knowledge effectively. The overarching approach emphasizes experiential learning, collaborative activities, and practical applications.

1. Interactive Lectures and Discussions:

Engaging presentations will introduce key concepts, theories, and frameworks related to media literacy, technology integration, and educational strategies. Facilitated discussions will encourage participants to share insights, ask questions, and explore diverse perspectives.

2. Workshops and Hands-On Activities:

Practical workshops will provide participants with hands-on experience, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. Activities such as meme creation, social media plan development, and critical thinking exercises will enhance practical skills.

3. Group Projects:

Participants will collaborate on a final group project, applying their learnings to create innovative solutions for challenges in 21st-century education. Project presentations and discussions will foster teamwork and showcase the practical application of acquired skills.

4. Case Studies and Real-World Examples:

Real-world case studies will be presented, offering participants insights into successful implementations of media literacy and technology integration in educational settings. Examining diverse scenarios will enhance participants' ability to adapt strategies to different contexts.

5. Reflection and Peer Feedback:

Regular reflection sessions will encourage participants to analyze their learning experiences, connect theory to practice, and identify areas for personal and professional growth. Peer feedback sessions will provide constructive insights, fostering a supportive learning community.

6. Online Resources and Learning Platforms:

Supplemental online resources, including articles, videos, and interactive modules, will be provided to enhance self-directed learning. Online forums or discussion platforms will facilitate ongoing communication and knowledge-sharing among participants.

8. Cultural Activities and Tours:

Cultural activities and tours will provide participants with a broader perspective, connecting theoretical concepts to the local context of Valencia. The inclusion of cultural elements aims to enrich the overall learning experience. This comprehensive and blended methodology is designed to create an immersive, engaging, and effective learning environment. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications, collaborative projects, and real-world insights, participants will be well-prepared to meet the challenges of 21st-century education and media literacy.

PRELIMINARY PROGRAMM:

DAY 1 📆Tuesday, 2nd April

Welcome day:

  • Icebreaker activity so that participants get to know each other.
  • Course introduction
  • Objectives of the course
  • Participants’ expectations
  • Cultural activities and tours
  • Secrets and tips about Valencia from my local perspective
  • Participants’ presentations of their own schools (they should prepare it prior to their arrival. It should include important information such as interesting projects they’re involved in, resources, tech equipment, how they’re using social media…)
  • First approach to the topic of the course: general concepts and definitions with interactive activities

Day 2 📆Wednesday, 3rd April

Media literacy:

  • Key concepts in media literacy
  • Evolution of media in the 21st century: traditional vs. new media

Generation Z and its particularities:

  • Understanding the generation as our audience from the teachers’ perspective
  • How to interact with them
  • How they get entertained
  • How they think

Opinion makers:

  • Understanding the appeal of opinion makers in the digital environment
  • YouTubers, bloggers and influencers
  • Activity: examples of opinion makers that make a change on genZ.

Memes:

  • Architecture of the memes and how they spread
  • Workshop: how to create memes with digital tools

Fake news

  • The definition
  • How they spread
  • Trolls and bots
  • How to teach our students to difference fake vs. reality

Day 3 📆Thursday, 4th April

Social media landscape and platforms:

  • Overview of the social media platforms
  • Major players in social media
  • Emerging platforms and trends

The impact of social media on communication:

  • Positive aspects
  • Challenges and concerns
  • Social media safety

Social media in education:

  • Integrating social media in the schools’ strategies
  • Integrating social media in the classroom
  • Benefits, challenges and case studies of using social media in the classroom.
  • Workshop: designing a social media plan for their schools.

Ethical considerations:

  • Cyberbullying on social media
  • Addressing cyberbullying and online harassment

Day 4 📆Friday, 5th April

Critical thinking:

  • Some tips and tools to promote critical thinking amongst students
  • The role of social media and screen consumption in critical thinking
  • Workshop: Helping our students to recognize fake vs. real in social media, advertisement and opinion makers in general

AI and its impact in education:

  • Discussion: critical thinking vs. AI
  • Ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in education
  • Challenges of applying AI in education

AI and its uses for making teachers’ life easier:

  • Workshop: AI tools that can help plan, organize and design activities for the students.

Day 5 📆Saturday, 6th April

Last day

  • Icebreaker activity: week recap

Final project

  • A final project in groups in which the participants assemble all they learned during the week
  • Projects presentations and discussion

Certificate

Reviews

Final wrap up

Contact course organisers directly:


bruno.sekeres@gmail.com


Vukovar, Croatia