Not abstract talk about media, but practical and useful knowledge: we summarize the media project for teachers

Our project was created as an educational format, rich in practical knowledge and tools. It is not an abstract discussion about media. We showed how media literacy can be meaningfully integrated into any subject, develop critical thinking in students, and help them navigate the modern information field – with or without AI," says project organiser, lecturer, and founder of MTÜ Tuleviku Meedia, Julia Rodina.

On 14 February, an educational project for teachers in Ida-Viru County was held in Narva, focusing on media literacy, journalism and artificial intelligence. As part of the programme, participants met with Julia Rodina and Mikhail Komashko, journalists from Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) – Radio 4 and ETV+. He talked about how interviews are created, what genre and ethical rules exist, what sometimes remains behind the scenes and why, and also ran a game in which teachers tried their hand at being journalists and television editors.

On February 25-27, we conducted an educational project in Tallinn dedicated to media literacy, journalism, and the role of AI in education today. 30 teachers from Tallinn, Harju County, and Ida-Viru County participated.

The project became a platform for professional dialogue between journalists, media experts, and teachers. Participants received practical tools for developing and teaching media literacy and for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in schools.

On the first day we were greeted by the British Council in Estonia director Ursula Roosmaa. 

We have visited Äripäev media house and DV.ee newsroom. During the meeting with DV.ee chief editor Olesja Lagashina we discussed the issues of independent media and media business today, managing a newsroom, investigative journalism and DV's educational initiatives.

Photos: Teo Eduard Tido

On the second day of the project we visited and studied at the National Library of Estonia. Participants learned about the library's media resources and the MeediaRadar project, and visited the renovated part of the building. Julia Rodina, Tuleviku Meedia founder, gave a lecture on media literacy in the age of artificial intelligence and the integration of media topics into the school curriculum. Anna-Maria Vaskovskaja, National library's media literacy specialist, conducted a practical workshop and introduced tools for creating and interpreting images.

On the last day of the project, Julia Rodina spoke about the risks and opportunities of AI in education and discussed media evolution forecasts with teachers. Olga Gabovitš, educational technologist and English teacher at the Tallinn Jewish School, gave a substantive practical lecture in which she presented examples of the application of artificial intelligence in teaching and the platforms that support it. Participants were able to try out these tools right away.

Media literacy practitioners presented their know-how. Teachers who have participated in Tuleviku Meedia's projects and successfully integrate media literacy into their lessons: Valentina Marcinkevicene, Jelena Moisejeva and Alina Bankirova.

On March 7, we organized a project day for teachers in Tallinn, combining psychological resilience with literature and history topics.

The first half of the day was devoted to psychology. Psychologist Marina Vorobjova gave a presentation on practical techniques for strengthening resilience, acting in conflict situations, and preventing burnout. Participants tried out various practices and techniques on the spot and shared feedback and experiences with their colleagues.

Then we were joined by Radio 4 (ERR) journalist and experienced guide Natalja Saal. The topic of her presentation was “Sergei Dovlatov: from bad journalism to great literature.”  

We are very grateful to the partners, supporters and lecturers of the project! 

This project is carried out in cooperation with British Council in Estonia as part of the People to People Cultural Engagement Programme. Find more info about British Council’s work in Estonia at www.britishcouncil.ee