Media and Information Literacy 4 Development

Media and Information Literacy (MIL) empowers people to develop themselves and their societies through enhanced capacities in communication and information use in the digital age. According to UNESCO, MIL provides answers to the questions that we all ask ourselves at some point.

• How can we access, search, critically assess, use and contribute content wisely, both online and offline?
• What are our rights online and offline?
• What are the ethical issues surrounding access and use of information?
• How can we engage with media and ICTs to promote equality, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, peace, freedom of expression and access to information?

With MIL skills and competencies, digital citizens are empowered to think critically about information access and use in digital spaces, digital safety and responsible online behaviors. MIL helps people to make informed choices about how they participate in civic engagement processes such as peace building, equality, freedom of expression, dialogue, access to information, and sustainable development (UNESCO).

Here are some of the MIL competencies and skills that digital citizens should practice in search  and use of information in online and offline spaces.

1. Check the credentials of the content creators
2. Verify before sharing – check the sources or ask the experts, read beyond the source
3. Look for bias –  Does the information seem to lean towards a particular bias?
4. Check for dates – some information is relevant only for a given timeframe
5. Report untrustworthy information – there are ways of reporting untrustworthy information, e.g. law enforcement agencies,  or report via the social media report function e.t.c
6. Consider the source –  rely on authoritative sources e.g. experts, Internationally accredited bodies,  government e.t.c.

ZITET promotes MIL through capacity building initiatives, advocacy, and research. Do you want to sign up for MIL training? Do you want to partner us in implementing MIL initiatives in your community? If your answer is yes,  then send us an email on zitetdigital@gmail.com or zitetdigital@zitet.org.zw or send a WhatsApp message to +263717013287

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