UNESCO launches online course in Media and Information Literacy and Intercultural Dialogue

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UNESCO supports the Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and Intercultural Dialogue University Network in the launch of an online course in MIL and intercultural dialogue. The course is designed for teachers, policy makers and professionals. It is led by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and will be offered over 13 weeks, from 25 February to 31 May 2013.

“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,” says Janis Karklins, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information. Therefore, this 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 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.

The course will be offered through QUT’s online learning system, Blackboard, and via Blackboard Collaborate. Most sessions will be self-directed, with 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. Participants who successfully complete the basic and intermediate levels will receive a certificate of completion.  Participants who successfully complete the advanced level of the course will be eligible to receive advanced standing towards a Master of Education or Graduate Certificate in Education at QUT.

Queensland University of Technology is an Australian and world leader in the provision of media and information literacy courses for students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. QUT’s Faculty of Education is Australia’s largest one and in the top two faculties for educational research.

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 download and complete the application form by 18 January 2013. There are no associated fees to participants who wish to follow this course.

This online course is part of UNESCO’s strategy to foster media and information literacy in societies, which includes:

• preparation of a model Media and Information Literacy Curriculum for Teachers;
• facilitation of international cooperation;
• development of Guidelines for Preparing National MIL Policies and Strategies;
• articulation of a Global Framework on MIL Indicators;
• setting up the MIL University Network;
• articulation of and establishment of an International Clearinghouse on MIL in cooperation with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations;
• provision of Guidelines for Broadcasters on Promoting User-Generated Content and MIL.