European Media Literacy Week: Webwise's "HTML Heroes" wins most educative media literacy project

Webwise's newest education programme, "HTML Heroes: An introduction to the internet", has received a European Media Literacy Award for most educative media literacy project at the recent European Media Literacy Conference in Brussels. The awards ceremony was hosted by Giuseppe Abbamonte, Director Media Policy at the European Commission's DG CONNECT.

Date 2019-03-21 Author Irish Safer Internet Centre
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The European Media Literacy Conference was the main event of the recent European Media Literacy Week, hosted by the Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, Mariya Gabriel. The conference has brought together experts from the public and private sector from across the EU to debate the role of public authorities and different stakeholders in promoting media literacy in Europe.

The awards recognised three different categories focusing on innovative media literacy projects, most educative media literacy project, and the media literacy project with the greatest European potential.

The Media Literacy Awards considered the value of the three winning projects/initiatives on the following basis:

  • Media mashup: Award for the most innovative media literacy project (making use of innovative methodologies, means of communication or digital technologies – but also being innovative compared to other initiatives in the field);
  • HTML Heroes: Award for the most educative media literacy project (addressing the specific educational needs of the project's target audience); and
  • Media mistakes: Award for the media literacy project with the greatest European potential (cross-border elements, the potential of scalability and/or focus on topics particularly relevant for EU citizens).

Almost 130 projects from European countries applied for the Awards. The projects were evaluated by a jury of experts, who selected the finalists and the three winners. The selection was based on the following main criteria:

  1. Originality and innovation: how innovative is the media literacy project compared to other initiatives in the field?
  2. Impact and scalability: the impact on the intended target groups and the potential of the project to be scaled up to address a wider audience.
  3. Clarity of presentation: the description is clear and easy to understand.

Ten projects were selected as finalists for the Media literacy Awards. The projects varied from teaching digital skills to bridging and filling gaps in journalism. All shortlisted projects were invited to pitch to the judging panel at the European Media Literacy Week flagship event in Brussels.

About "HTML Heroes – An Introduction to the Internet"
Launched on Safer Internet Day 2019, HTML Heroes is a free, digital media literacy programme designed to support primary level teachers as they introduce digital technology and the internet to the classroom.

The programme was designed for third and fourth class pupils, and explores the following topics:

  • Effective and safe searching.
  • Copyright online.
  • Evaluating information.
  • Recognising online advertising.
  • Misinformation and clickbait.
  • Personal information and privacy.
  • Respectful communication online.
  • Social media and online influencers.

The aim of the programme is to help children, aged 7-10, to develop critical thinking and digital media literacy skills to effectively and safely navigate the online world while also promoting positives uses of technology.

The HTML Heroes Programme comprises eight interactive lessons and three specially designed animations for use in the classroom. The resource introduces students to the internet with the help of two USB key characters, Archie and Ruby, who explain how the internet works and address key online safety topics including privacy, cyberbullying and evaluating information online. The programme also addresses growing concerns about technology and the use of devices, such as passive versus productive time online, online gaming, online advertising, and social media.

Since launching in February 2019, 3,400 primary schools have received supporting activity sheets and information on accessing the programme.

HTML Heroes can be accessed for free on the Webwise website.

Find out more about the work of the Irish Safer Internet Centre (SIC) generally, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline and youth participation services, or find similar information for Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.

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