The world is changing, so can we; Exploring the impact of Critical Media Literacy and Civic Learning

<< Background >>We believe everyone deserves quality education and lifelong learning to develop essential skills for personal growth,employment,and active citizenship. However,many, especially youth,struggle with media literacy(ML),making it crucial to teach critical thinking rather than protecting from harmful content.Our SWOT analysis of partner org. showed urgent need to introduce ML in schools as it fosters personal identity and informed opinions.International cooperation was essential,as all partners had low ML levels,with Turkey only 16%(2018 ML Index).Globally,ML is essential, especially for knowledge workers relying on digital tools.Understanding,using,and creating information became very important.Our project aligned with European Commission's view that citizens must grasp how media function in digital world,Our project answered the needs of the partners:-designing training pathways to give learners access to the world of media with emphasis on critical thinking leading to bringing positive human values and social inclusion -aquiring the key competencies by students and providing professional development to teachers.-Creating passion for lifelong learning,and passion in preserving the cultural heritage and the Environment.<< Objectives >>GOALS FOR STUDENTS:*Develop critical thinking in media consumption*Promote positive values,democracy,equality and human rights*Encourage social inclusion and real-life interactions*Address the negative effects of video games by engaging Ss in creating educational media using ICT tools, enhancing skills and competencies*Prevent misuse of personal data and social media profiles,which could have consequences for students' social and private lives(learn new technologies and digital skills)*To increase productivity and interest in educational programs to reduce the number of students dropping out*Raise awareness of physical activity and healthy living,addressing internet addiction*promote pro-ecological attitude by getting to know foreign environments limiting disturbing it’s natural barier PARENTS:*be equipped with knowledge and educational materials during Erasmus Open Day*Help kids develop a healthy relationship with media*Balance digital use with real-life experiences.*Guide them in navigating information effectivelyEDUCATORS:*Support diverse teaching methods for lifelong learning*Enhance ML skills and promote shared values in education*Foster inclusive education and strengthen the European teaching perspective.<< Implementation >>All activities scheduled in the application were implemented in the project.MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES lasting throughout the project included maintaining the website, distributing materials, monitoring activities, organizing mobilities,and securing necessary resources.TEACHERS' MEETING IN PORTUGAL:Partner introductions, task assignments, project planning, financial agreements,open lessons/seminars, selection of logo and slogan and dissemination.STAFF TRAINING IN ITALYMedia literacy training on fake news,critical thinking,communication,and social media addiction.We created a curriculum integrated into partnering schools’ syllabus afterwords.ETwinning workshop was conducted and teachers planned Erasmus Open Days and workshops for students.STUDENT ACTIVITIESPOLAND: Students hosted by Polish families conducted workshops on media literacy, fake news, interview skills, and internet safety. Created educational films and organized Erasmus+ Open Days.TURKEY: Hosted students, held workshops on media stereotypes, internet safety, and school violence.Conducted surveys cultural activities, and Erasmus+ Open Days.All the activities included getting to know local environment, landscapes as well as cultural and historical heritage. << Results >>Concrete outcomes included:*Analysis and Questionnaires,*Production of a curricula on media literacy (didactic material produced by teachers),*Production of 4 educational movies on Internet addiction, preconceptions and stereotypes, social integration, and school violence (by teachers and students),*Production of 2 leaflets in 5 languages on protecting personal information on the Internet(by students),*Production of Parents' brochure in 5 languages about the use of media in the family, containing useful tips for keeping children safe in the media environment(by teachers),*Project magazine in 5 languages (by students), *Project website - project materials - photos, videos, detailed description of good practices and workshops, eTwinning page.Moreover the project’s outcome was ‘awakening’ learners, parents and teachers by fostering critical thinking and responsible media use.Learners became well prepared for careers in the media, with a focus on critical thinking, so that they are now active citizens of Europe, bringing positive human values, democracy, equality, and respect for human rights.Common values recognition and civic engagement and participation enabled students and teachers to development of key competencies.