EPALE - Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe

In the digital age, the European Union faces great challenges and great opportunities, as highlighted by the recent adoption of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The purpose of this law is to create a secure digital environment and protect fundamental rights on the Internet. However, its implementation raises concerns about the potential for restrictions on freedom of expression, particularly regarding systemic risks such as the spread of illegal content and interference with the electoral process. 

Challenges of the European Commission's approach: 

The report, “Digital Services Law: Applying a Risk Management Framework to Russia's Disinformation Campaign,” highlights the concern about involuntary restrictions on content distribution. While recognizing the need to protect against disinformation campaigns, the decision to focus on Russian disinformation may limit a balanced assessment of priorities thus urging the need for non-oppressive solutions to disinformation.

The five-pronged approach proposed by a group of high-level experts includes improving online transparency, promoting media literacy, developing tools to empower users and journalists, diversifying and sustaining media ecosystems, and continuously researching the impact of disinformation in Europe in order to be able to assess and adjust the taken measures. 

MCRE Project: Media literacy, critical viewing and CREative vision as effective learning approach for people with fewer opportunities 

In this context, the MCRE Project stands out as a non-oppressive measure. Funded by the EU through the Erasmus+ program, the project focuses on improving media literacy and critical thinking skills among adults with fewer opportunities and adult educators in European countries. 

MCRE project goals and tools 

The project’ main goal is to help adults analyse information and increase their resistance to fake news and disinformation. This is accomplished through the development of the MCRE eBook, which provides information and techniques to improve analytical skills, and of the MCRE Mobile App, designed to support information review and critical thinking training. 

MCRE eBook content

The MCRE eBook covers important topics, from understanding what disinformation and fake news are, to improving critical thinking skills, analysing received information, and effectively using the media. Another focus is on online tools for work support and analysis of popular news articles on social media.  

Impact and use of MCRE eBook

The MCRE eBook not only serves as a guide to improving important skills, but it can also be a valuable tool for adult educators. It can be used to expand knowledge, as a basis for educational activities, and as additional material for students. Moreover, adult learners can use this resource to expand their knowledge after using the MCRE Mobile App. 

Conclusion:

The approach proposed by the MCRE project increases resistance against the spread of online disinformation by promoting media literacy and encouraging critical thinking in the digital age, thus joining the European Commission's initiative to address online disinformation with solutions that do not restrict freedom of expression and help to create a safer digital environment.

Project number: 2021-1-RO01-KA220-ADU-000033435

Project number: 2021-1-RO01-KA220-ADU-000033435