In today’s digital ecosystem—characterized by a constant flow of information and an increasing risk of disinformation—developing critical media skills has become essential. Fake news, 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, co-funded by the European Union, aims to strengthen digital competences through innovative educational tools. Among these, the Media Masters educational game stands out as a valuable resource that combines learning, interactivity, and engagement.
A Workshop on Disinformation at Liceo Benedetto Croce
On 7 November 2025, Liceo Benedetto Croce in Palermo hosted a day dedicated to reflecting on disinformation and active citizenship. The initiative, organised by CESIE, involved students aged 14 to 18—an age group particularly vulnerable to risks associated with digital information.
During the session, facilitators introduced students to the mechanisms behind the spread of fake news, opening a discussion on the threats these dynamics pose to democracy. The morning continued with interactive activities, including a quiz focused on recognising manipulated content and images generated by Artificial Intelligence, which sparked strong interest and engagement.
The core activity of the event was the practical workshop using the Media Masters board game and digital app. Students were able to experiment with a playful approach to critical information assessment. Thanks to the game’s mechanics—moving forward or backward based on correct or incorrect answers—they were encouraged to practice collaboration, reflection, and argumentation skills, turning complex concepts into a dynamic and engaging experience.
Objectives and Educational Impact
The goal of the day was clear: to raise awareness among young people about the impact of disinformation 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, opinions, and manipulative content.
Feedback collected from participants was extremely positive: students described the experience as stimulating, useful, and engaging, while teachers highlighted the strong educational potential of Media Masters.
An International Follow-Up Session at CESIE
On 21 November 2025, CESIE’s offices in Palermo hosted a second workshop, this time with a transnational dimension. Young participants from several European countries took part in an activity focused on media literacy from a broader European perspective.
The session began with an exercise on identifying manipulated images, followed by a debate based on controversial statements that encouraged intercultural dialogue on how information is perceived and evaluated.
The second part of the workshop focused on hands-on testing of the Media Masters game, addressing topics such as phishing, online scams, and information dynamics within the European Union.
Results and Educational Value
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 and participatory learning environment. The data collected confirmed an overall positive attitude toward developing digital skills.
Conclusions: The Value of Play as an Educational Tool
The two sessions held in Palermo demonstrated the effectiveness of Media Masters 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 and digital citizenship.
At a time when unverified content increasingly threatens democratic stability, investing in innovative and participatory educational approaches is crucial. Media Masters helps shape young people who are more aware, informed, and prepared to face the challenges of today’s information landscape.
About the project
MEDMAS – Media Masters is a project funded by European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) CERV-2023-CITIZENS-CIV (Citizens’ engagement and participation – 2023).
Partners
- PISTES SOLIDAIRES (France, coordinator)
- POLITISTIKO IDRYMA 1948 (Cyprus)
- INNOVATION HIVE – KYPSELI KAINOTOMIAS (Greece)
- MUSEO DEI BAMBINI SOCIETA COOPERATIVA SOCIALE (Italy)
- INSTITUTO IKIGAI ASOCIACION ESPANOLA PARA EL EMPRENDIMIENTO Y EL DESARROLLO PERSONAL Y PROFESIONAL (Spain)
- CESIE ETS (Italy)
- VOXEUROP SCE (France)
- Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication, Sofia University (Bulgaria)
- UNIVERZA V MARIBORU (Slovenia)
- YOUNET APS (Italy)
- CASORIS, ZAVOD ZA INFORMIRANJE IN IZOBRAZEVANJE (Slovenia)
- Udruga za promicanje tehnicke kulture Makerspace Varazdin (Croatia)
For further information
Read more about the project.
Contact Enrico Casacchia: enrico.casacchia@cesie.org.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
