Learning and Service: Media Literacy - UC3M
This project integrates the service-learning methodology with media and information literacy (AMI), generating a direct social impact in public secondary schools in Getafe and Leganés.
Students of the Degree in Journalism and the Double Degree in Journalism and Audiovisual Communication of the Carlos III University of Madrid design and give practical workshops aimed at students from 1st to 4th ESO, with the aim of teaching them to detect disinformation,critically analyze media content and consume information responsibly in the digital environment.
The initiative responds to a real need: in secondary education there are hardly any systematic actions to develop competence in AMI. Service-learning makes it possible to unite social commitment with the acquisition of knowledge, skills and values, creating a solid bridge between university and community.
Objective and scope
- Main objective: Promote critical competences vis-à-vis digital media in high school students and strengthen the university-community connection through service-learning.
- Scope: Public institutes of Getafe and Leganés, with the possibility of expansion to other centers.
Strategic focus
- Media and Information Literacy (AMI)
- Tackling disinformation
- Service-learning methodology
Qualitative impact
The intervention improves the critical competence of students vis-à-vis digital and audiovisual media, increasing their ability to identify fake news and practice selective and responsible consumption. The faculty emphasizes that the workshops, designed by university students and based on practical activities, reinforce the educational transversality and facilitate the acquisition of communication skills.
The intergenerational link is key: University students, close in age and digital experience, manage to establish a motivating and effective dialogue, generating significant learning.
Key components
- Practical workshops given by university students
- Guides and teaching materials for replication
- Learning-Service Office UC3M as methodological support
Results and achievements
- More than 500 participating high school students in recent years
- 90% satisfaction among high school students
- Positive and repeated recognition among university students, who rate the experience as “very good” and express their desire to repeat
Replicability and scalability
The project has teaching guides and materials that facilitate their reproduction in other centers and subjects. UC3M has a Learning-Service Office that trains teachers and students, disseminates methodology and supports the creation of new projects. In addition, the university promotes an annual call for grants to expand the implementation, ensuring the viability of its growth beyond the current scope.
Popularity and scope
The initiative is disseminated through the ALFAMED Project website, the institutional channels of UC3M and the educational centers themselves, where information leaflets prepared by university students are distributed.
Why is it good practice?
This project strengthens critical thinking, connects academia and society and offers a scalable, replicable model aligned with current educational needs.
Good practice details
Website link
Target audience
Digital skills in education.
Digital technology / specialisation
Digital skill level
Geographic scope - Country
Spain
Industry - field of education and training
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) not further defined
Geographical sphere
EU institutional initiative
Type of funding
Public
Start date
End date
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