While UNESCO has long promoted MIL, its application in adult learning has been underrepresented. To address this, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), in collaboration with UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy and Digital Competencies Unit and with financial support from Shanghai Open University (SOU), has developed a comprehensive self-learning course for adult educators. This course equips adult educators to combat misinformation and harmful online content by fostering critical thinking and digital literacy, promoting informed and active digital citizenship.

Over 67% of the world’s population uses the internet, yet many lack the skills to identify misinformation, combat hate speech, and navigate online environments safely and responsibly. Competencies in these areas are essential for all citizens, regardless of age or background.

In response, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), in collaboration with UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy and Digital Competencies Unit, has launched the Media and Information Literacy course for adult educators.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, Media and Information Literacy is essential for navigating complex media environments, evaluating information credibility, and engaging responsibly with digital content, both in society and at home. Through our new course, we empower adult educators worldwide to combat misinformation and harmful online content by fostering critical thinking and digital literacy.

(Rakhat Zholdoshalieva, UIL Team Leader)

The launch of this course aligns with the call for increased media and information literacy efforts by countries as part of the Pact for the Future, adopted at the United Nations Summit of the Future in September 2024. While UNESCO has long promoted Media and Information Literacy, its application in adult learning has been underrepresented. This new course addresses that gap by providing educators with practical tools and strategies to promote responsible media engagement among adult learners. Furthermore, this course also contributes to UIL’s efforts to advocate for adult educators’ lifelong learning and their role as facilitators of lifelong learning.

Adults play a crucial role in building resilient societies. However, many have not had the opportunity to develop media and information literacy skills through formal education. This course is designed to bridge that gap, taking us a step closer to a world where everyone can engage actively and safely in the digital landscape.

(Ms. Adeline Hulin, Acting Head of the UNESCO Unit for Media and Information Literacy and Digital Competencies)

This self-paced course covers eight topics, including the basics of Media and Information Literacy, social media, artificial intelligence, combating hate speech, misinformation and disinformation, and promoting gender equality. Participants will achieve the learning objectives through interactive activities and quizzes. Upon successful completion, participants can download a certificate from the platform.

The course is open to adult educators worldwide, who are warmly encouraged to register.

Accessibility: Freely accessible until 31 May 2025

Duration: Approx. 10 learning hours

Language: English

Registration: https://learninghub.uil.unesco.org/course/view.php?id=63

Further information

UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning

UNESCO work on Media and Information Literacy