Third from left: Prof. Abena A. Yeboah-Banin in a group picture with participants at the end of the workshop
Senior High School (SHS) teachers from twenty-eight schools across the Central and Greater Accra Regions have been equipped with essential skills to navigate digital spaces responsibly following a two-day Media and Information Literacy (MIL) workshop. Organised by the Department of Communication Studies at the School of Information and Communication Studies, under the College of Education, University of Ghana, in collaboration with UNESCO, the workshop aimed to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age.
A cross-section of participants
The workshop, designed to tackle the growing challenges and opportunities within the digital landscape, focused on enhancing participants' digital literacy skills and promoting responsible online engagement. It brought together educators from nine schools in the Central Region and nineteen schools in the Greater Accra Region. Sessions centred on combating disinformation, fostering ethical online behaviour and empowering teachers to instil digital literacy in their students.
Prof. Abena A. Yeboah-Banin, Head of the Department of Communication Studies
Delivering the opening remarks, Prof. Abena A. Yeboah-Banin, Head of the Department of Communication Studies, highlighted the importance of media literacy in today’s educational landscape. “As a Department, we have made media literacy a priority and conducted extensive research in schools across the country. The results, unfortunately, have been less than encouraging,” she revealed.
A cross-section of participants
Prof. Yeboah-Banin described the workshop as a critical platform for equipping educators to positively influence their students. She also stressed the Department’s commitment to digital literacy, citing the mandatory Media Literacy programme offered to Level 100 students at the University of Ghana.
Mr. Rabiu Alhassan, Director of FactSpace West Africa
Mr. Rabiu Alhassan, Director of FactSpace West Africa, provided a comprehensive overview of Africa’s rapidly evolving digital environment. He noted that internet penetration on the continent stood at 43% as of December 2021, with 650 million mobile users.
“Digital technologies have advanced more rapidly than any innovation in history, reaching approximately 50% of the developing world’s population within just two decades and transforming societies,” Mr. Alhassan stated, referencing a United Nations report.
A cross-section of participants
While acknowledging the benefits of digital technologies, such as enhanced connectivity, financial inclusion, and improved access to trade and public services, Mr. Alhassan cautioned against the dangers posed by disinformation campaigns and other cyber-related issues. He cited over 50 documented disinformation campaigns in Africa, as reported by the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies.
He further elaborated on the concept of information disorder, which encompasses misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information. Using real-life examples, he illustrated how hate speech and discriminatory language can incite violence, stressing the urgent need for awareness and proactive intervention.
Dr. Patience Emefa Dzandza Ocloo, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Information Studies
Dr. Patience Emefa Dzandza Ocloo, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Information Studies, University of Ghana, addressed responsible digital space usage. She stressed the need for ethical online behaviour, building trust in digital communities and protecting vulnerable populations.
“We must know how to build trust in digital communities,” Dr. Ocloo asserted. She encouraged teachers to critically assess electronic resources, ensure respect for privacy and use fact-checking tools to verify the authenticity of information.
During an interactive question-and-answer session, participants sought guidance on strategies for regulating children’s online activities in an era dominated by social media. In response, Dr. Ocloo recommended digital parenting techniques and urged teachers to apply the knowledge gained during the workshop to address such challenges.
A hands-on exercise facilitated by Dr. Ocloo allowed participants to evaluate electronic pages, assess the accuracy of information, and practice fact-checking strategies. “This session is designed to hone your critical thinking and digital literacy skills,” she explained.
Dr. Aurelia Ayisi, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Communication Studies facilitating a session during the workshop
The second day of the workshop focused on integrating Media and Information Literacy into teaching practices. Discussions centred on opportunities within the school curriculum to embed MIL skills into lessons. The event concluded with a panel discussion on establishing Media and Information Literacy (MIL) clubs in Senior High Schools. Participants debated the feasibility and advantages of creating such clubs to further promote digital literacy among students.
As the workshop drew to a close, participants were urged to lead efforts in promoting responsible online behaviour and combating disinformation. By empowering educators with the necessary skills, the initiative aims to build a society that navigates digital spaces ethically and effectively. The event highlighted the critical role of teachers in shaping a generation that thrives in the digital age, fostering a future where responsible and informed digital engagement becomes the norm.