School of critical thinking against disinformation

We live in a world where false narratives spread like wildfire. How can we distinguish truth from manipulation when it concerns key areas of our everyday lives: our health, technology, socio-political issues, and climate change?

Disinformation and misinformation evolves and spreads at an extraordinary speed. We know that in Poland, the areas most vulnerable to manipulation are those concerning our daily security and future: climate, health, socio-political issues, and new technologies¹. It is in these areas that disinformation generates the greatest social costs. At Centrum Cyfrowe, we believe that resilience is best built together. As part of this project, we are joining forces with experts, teaching staff, youth, and their caretakers to provide reliable, open, and free educational tools. These tools will serve as practical support for teachers as well as an engaging form of learning for youth (from the 7th grade of primary school through high school).

The project will include:

• Innovative lesson plans co-created with students: Sixteen lesson plans will cover the topics of climate, health, society, and technology. The plans will be tested in pilot workshops with the pupils themselves (about 40-50 participants), and their feedback will help us improve the materials’ final form.
• Training for teachers: We will train ca. 200 primary and secondary school teachers. As part of a series of 4-hour workshops (online and in-person), priority will be given to applicants from smaller towns to actively support equal educational opportunities.
• “Catch a Fake News” card game: Education does not end at school – we are creating an intergenerational game that promotes critical thinking at home as well. It will be available free of charge, both in a traditional physical form (we will distribute a portion of the copies to participants) and in a print-at-home digital format.
• Support for parents and guardians: A practical guide will facilitate conversations with youth about dangerous narratives in the media, including social media. We will also organize two open, free online workshops for adults.

The project events and materials will be available in Polish.

The project is financed by the Ministry of Digital Affairs as part of an open competition aimed at raising awareness and educating society about online disinformation: “Building knowledge in the field of countering disinformation”.

1. Dezinformacja oczami Polaków 2024, Fundacja Digital Poland.