{"id":161830,"date":"2025-12-05T15:52:14","date_gmt":"2025-12-05T14:52:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cesie.org\/news\/medmas-educare-pensiero-critico\/"},"modified":"2025-12-05T16:49:14","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T15:49:14","slug":"medmas-educating-critical-thinking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cesie.org\/en\/youth\/medmas-educating-critical-thinking\/","title":{"rendered":"Media Masters \u2013 Educating Critical Thinking to Fight Disinformation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In today\u2019s digital ecosystem\u2014characterized by a constant flow of information and an increasing risk of disinformation<\/strong>\u2014developing critical media skills has become essential. Fake news<\/strong>, propaganda, and online manipulation significantly influence public opinion, especially among younger generations who are constantly immersed in social media. In this context, the European project Media Masters: Enhancing Media Literacy<\/strong>, co-funded by the European Union, aims to strengthen digital competences<\/strong> through innovative educational tools. Among these, the Media Masters<\/strong> educational game stands out as a valuable resource that combines learning, interactivity, and engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Workshop on Disinformation at Liceo Benedetto Croce<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On 7 November 2025, Liceo Benedetto Croce in Palermo hosted a day dedicated to reflecting on disinformation<\/strong> and active citizenship<\/strong>. The initiative, organised by CESIE<\/strong>, involved students aged 14 to 18\u2014an age group particularly vulnerable to risks associated with digital information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the session, facilitators introduced students to the mechanisms behind the spread of fake news<\/strong>, opening a discussion on the threats these dynamics pose to democracy<\/strong>. The morning continued with interactive activities, including a quiz focused on recognising manipulated content and images generated by Artificial Intelligence<\/strong>, which sparked strong interest and engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The core activity of the event was the practical workshop using the Media Masters<\/strong> board game and digital app. Students were able to experiment with a playful approach to critical information assessment. Thanks to the game\u2019s mechanics\u2014moving forward or backward based on correct or incorrect answers\u2014they were encouraged to practice collaboration<\/strong>, reflection<\/strong>, and argumentation skills<\/strong>, turning complex concepts into a dynamic and engaging experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Objectives and Educational Impact<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The goal of the day was clear: to raise awareness among young people about the impact of disinformation<\/strong> on democratic processes and to provide concrete tools for recognising and analysing unverified content. Through the game and open discussion, students developed a stronger ability to distinguish between facts<\/strong>, opinions<\/strong>, and manipulative content<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feedback collected from participants was extremely positive: students described the experience as stimulating<\/strong>, useful<\/strong>, and engaging<\/strong>, while teachers highlighted the strong educational potential of Media Masters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An International Follow-Up Session at CESIE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On 21 November 2025, CESIE\u2019s offices in Palermo hosted a second workshop, this time with a transnational<\/strong> dimension. Young participants from several European countries took part in an activity focused on media literacy<\/strong> from a broader European perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The session began with an exercise on identifying manipulated images<\/strong>, followed by a debate based on controversial statements that encouraged intercultural dialogue on how information is perceived and evaluated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second part of the workshop focused on hands-on testing of the Media Masters<\/strong> game, addressing topics such as phishing<\/strong>, online scams, and information dynamics within the European Union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Results and Educational Value<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The international participants showed high levels of engagement and interest. Despite some initial difficulties with technical terminology, group work and facilitator support ensured an inclusive<\/strong> and participatory<\/strong> learning environment. The data collected confirmed an overall positive attitude toward developing digital skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusions: The Value of Play as an Educational Tool<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two sessions held in Palermo demonstrated the effectiveness of Media Masters<\/strong> as an educational tool against disinformation. Its playful approach transforms complex concepts into a concrete and memorable learning experience, strengthening essential competences such as critical thinking<\/strong> and digital citizenship<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At a time when unverified content increasingly threatens democratic stability, investing in innovative and participatory educational approaches is crucial. Media Masters<\/strong> helps shape young people who are more aware<\/strong>, informed<\/strong>, and prepared<\/strong> to face the challenges of today\u2019s information landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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About the project<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

MEDMAS \u2013 Media Masters<\/a> is a project funded by European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) CERV-2023-CITIZENS-CIV (Citizens\u2019 engagement and participation \u2013 2023).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Partners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n