METACOG partners meet to boost digital skills

On 19–20 May, The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) hosted the second in-person meeting of the three-year Erasmus+ project METACOG. This project, with contributions from lecturer-researchers Kanan Dhru and Jeffrey Dahl of the Multilevel Regulation research group, focuses on developing an AI literacy program for European citizens.

The meeting brought together academic partners from Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), the Technical University of Košice (Slovakia), and the University of Montenegro. Over the course of two days, the consortium worked on the co-development of a collaborative online course (MOOC) designed to foster critical engagement with online information.

This meeting not only advanced our joint outputs, but also strengthened our shared understanding and collaboration.

Kanan Dhru, lecturer researcher

Highlights included a presentation by Joshua Levine, who shared insights from a student-led project addressing fake news, and a hands-on workshop facilitated by Jeffrey Dahl, a senior lecturer in the Law programme. The partners also discussed a proposal to publish the results of a recent survey that explored students’ digital needs at the four participating universities.

In an era of information overload, it’s vital that students develop the skills to critically assess what they see online.

Jeffrey Dahl, senior lecturer

This meeting marked an important milestone in the project’s mission to empower European citizens with the skills needed to navigate today’s complex digital landscape.

This article was originally published here.

About METACOG

METACOG is an AI literacy programme designed to combat disinformation and fake news by fostering civic engagement and shared values in European societies. The project aims to equip European citizens, particularly higher education students and teachers, with the skills to identify disinformation and fake news through an innovative curriculum, teaching materials, and best practices. Through the development of innovative teaching materials, AI-based tools, and best practices, METACOG recognizes AI’s dual role in both creating and countering disinformation.

This project is addressed to higher education students and teachers; governmental and non-governmental organizations; media professionals; general public interested in AI literacy and disinformation detection.

Led by Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), METACOG encompasses other three universities in Europe, Technical University of Kosice (Slovakia), University of Montenegro (Montenegro), The Hague University of Applied Sciences (The Netherlands).

METACOG is funded under the Erasmus+ Programme (KA220-HED) and it will last from 01/09/2024 until 31/08/2027.