College students take lead in battle against misinformation

Derby College Group is reflecting on the success of an event which brought together educators, students and media professionals to explore the essential role of media literacy in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Organised in collaboration with The Guardian Foundation, the Media Literacy Symposium recently took place at the University of Derby’s Britannia Mill campus.

The symposium highlighted the pioneering work being done by the college’s GCSE Plus team, alongside the Guardian Foundation’s Media Literacy Ambassador Programme, which empowers young people to critically engage with news and information.

The event also marked a significant milestone for Derby College Group, which was the first further education college to participate in the Guardian Foundation’s Media Literacy Programme, beginning in 2023.

The event was led by Debbie Painter, curriculum manager for GCSE Plus at Derby College Group.

She said: “It has been so rewarding working with both current and former students to develop this event.

“I am passionate about helping our students succeed, and The Guardian Foundation has been an invaluable partner in making this happen.

“The programme has been transformational for our students.

“The Guardian Foundation shares our commitment to equipping the next generation with the skills they need to navigate today’s complex media environment.”

The symposium focused on a critical issue: as young people increasingly engage with digital content, they must be equipped with the tools to identify credible news, combat misinformation, and understand the nuances of emerging technologies like AI and ‘deep fakes’.

Esmat Jeraj, director of programmes at The Guardian Foundation, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the direct impact of our Media Literacy Ambassador Programme, especially here at Derby College.

“The students are not only learning essential skills but also leading the way in educating their peers about the importance of verifying news and information.

“Their involvement in shaping and delivering the programme has been invaluable.”