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ComCom Holds a Conference for Teachers on Integrating Media Literacy into Formal Education
The Communications Commission, with the support of UNICEF and the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth, held a conference on the subject of “Integration of Media Literacy into Formal Education – the Role of Teachers and Practical Approaches.” The event served to facilitate integration of media literacy into formal education, involve more schools in this process, and share experience in teaching media literacy. The conference was attended by teachers, school principals and pupils.
The opening speeches were made by the Head of Media Literacy Department of the Communications commission Mariam Dakhundaridze, Deputy Minister of Education Tamar Makharashvili, and UNICEF Deputy Representative in Georgia Amy Clancy, who emphasised the significance of media literacy as one of the vital competencies in the modern world, and the importance of integrating media literacy into formal education.
Following the opening part, ComCom member Natia Kukuladze held a presentation on the results achieved by the Commission and the future prospects for integrating media literacy into formal education. According to her, the project to integrate media literacy into formal education, which was implemented through the joint efforts of ComCom, UNICEF and the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, has exceeded all expectations in terms of results. Within the scope the project, which was launched in 2022, the Commission developed an educational standard, a learning module and a textbook. In addition, teachers across Georgia were trained in teaching media literacy. In 2023, 6 public schools chose the subject of media literacy, and a further 227 schools followed in 2024.
The event included a panel discussion on “The Role of Teachers and Practical Approaches in Teaching Media Literacy – Sharing Experiences,” moderated by Manana Jincharadze, media literacy trainer and representative of the National Center for Teacher Professional Development. Participants in the discussion included media literacy scholar Natalia Ingorokva Tbilisi Public School N105 principal Sopio Khvedelidze, as well as media literacy teachers Tea Dikhaminjia and Nona Arosiani. The panel discussed the methods for increasing student engagement in media literacy, lesson planning, and cognitive activities through which students learn to filter media messages, navigate safely in the digital space, detect disinformation and determine the truth, as well as avoid cyber threats and become responsible citizens. In addition, the discussion was devoted to the needs and plans for teaching media literacy in schools. The participants discussed alternative opportunities for teaching media literacy, support strategies, and additional activities such as school clubs.
The conference “Integration of Media Literacy into Formal Education – the Role of Teachers and Practical Approaches” will also take place in Kutaisi.
The Communications Commission, as the body responsible for media literacy development in the country, prioritises systemic integration of media literacy into formal education.
