UNESCO Launches Free Online Course on Media and Information Literacy

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The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has launched a free online course that supports Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and Intercultural Dialogue. The course which is designed for teachers, policy makers and professionals will be offered over 13 weeks, from February 25 to May 31, 2013 and will be led by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia.

UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, Mr. Janis Karklins

Explaining the rationale for the course, Mr. Janis Karklins, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, said: “We live in a world where the quality of information we receive largely determines our choices and ensuing actions, including our capacity to enjoy fundamental freedoms and the ability for self-determination and development.”

 The course will assist teachers, policy makers and professionals to become agents of change through the development of MIL competencies in their communities and through enhancing intercultural understanding.

The course will be offered through QUT’s online learning system known as the  “Blackboard” and via the “Blackboard Collaborate”. Most of the sessions will be self-directed and will have ongoing interaction with the course presenters in the online space. There will be four “live” sessions presented globally by international guest lecturers.

Participants will be able to complete the programme at basic, intermediate or advanced levels. Those who successfully complete the basic and intermediate levels will receive a certificate of completion. 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.

The online course is part of UNESCO’s strategy to foster media and information literacy in societies and will focus on the following subjects: Intercultural dialogue and citizenship; freedom of expression, freedom of information and understanding the news; representation and languages in media and information; advertising and citizenship; information literacy and library skills; communication; MIL and teaching/learning; MIL policies and strategies; citizens and the media and technologies; global media/technologies in an increasingly connected world; and  Internet opportunities and challenges.

To apply, download and complete the application form by 18 January 2013. There are no associated fees for participants who wish to follow this course: http://morsm.al/A6T1f