METACOG Team Develops Online Learning Content in Košice, Slovakia

The Metacog Project (AI literacy programme for managing disinformation in European societies) brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts to investigate which competencies are most essential for media consumers in contemporary society. Specialists in technology, education, law, and media collaborated in a workshop to identify the skill sets that enable citizens to navigate effectively in today’s complex and ambiguous media environment.

During the project meeting held at the Technical University of Košice on November 5-6, participants focused on the detailed design of the curriculum. Based on the discussions among the experts, it was concluded that enhancing for example understanding of critical thinking, understanding the capacities of AI technologies, and the role of emotions in media literacy is vital in combating disinformation and misinformation. The workshop proved highly productive, resulting in concrete proposals for classroom activities and online course content.

The Metacog project is a project co-funded by the European Union. Representatives from all participating higher education institutions attended the meeting: Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Finland, project leader), The Hague University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands), Technical University of Košice (Slovakia), and the University of Montenegro.

The city of Košice in Slovakia provided an exceptionally inspiring environment for continuing the design of a comprehensive learning module through co-creation methods. The primary objective of this initiative is to foster a shared understanding of disinformation and misinformation phenomenon and skills gap.

The project aims to develop learning resources, pedagogical practices, and innovative learning methods for higher education instructors to promote the dissemination of new citizenship competencies.

This work addresses a highly relevant topic in the era of artificial intelligence, when it is essential for individuals to understand the forces that shape their thinking. Decision-making and behavior are influenced by preconceptions, which in modern societies are increasingly affected by technologically mediated realities. Citizens’ perceptions of various issues are formed through the information landscapes that unfold before them across multiple media platforms, including social media.

Given the rapid technological advances in artificial intelligence in recent years, and the ease with which these technologies can now be employed, the potential for various forms of media distortion has also increased. AI enables the production of remarkably realistic content, making critical engagement with media indispensable.

While academia and professional journalism strive to produce well-founded content and verify information carefully, there remains a realistic risk that inattentive media users may encounter and absorb invalid information.

Warm appreciation is extended to the host institution in Košice, which had meticulously prepared a wonderful event – complete with beautiful weather – that provided an excellent setting for inspiring discussions. Košice could not have offered a more welcoming atmosphere.

The project is progressing steadily toward the launch of the learning module – stay tuned for further developments!

About METACOG

METACOG is an EU-funded AI literacy programme designed to combat disinformation and fake news by promoting civic engagement and shared European values. The initiative aims to strengthen citizens’ ability—particularly among higher education students and teachers—to recognize and respond to disinformation through an innovative curriculum, AI-based tools, and best practices. By acknowledging the dual role of artificial intelligence in both generating and countering disinformation, METACOG seeks to empower individuals with the critical thinking and digital literacy skills essential for navigating today’s information landscape.

Targeting higher education institutions, government and non-governmental organizations, media professionals, and the general public, METACOG is led by Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Finland) in collaboration with the Technical University of Košice (Slovakia), the University of Montenegro (Montenegro), and The Hague University of Applied Sciences (The Netherlands). The project is funded under the Erasmus+ Programme (KA220-HED) and will run from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2027.