In a concerted effort to combat the spread of misinformation and equip the Teachers with critical thinking skills, the Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM) and the Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Mass Communication (MCNUJC) jointly organized a two-day media literacy workshop for teachers at MCNUJC. The event, held at the university's Swami Vivekanand Auditorium, brought together over 60 educators from primary to higher education from across India.
In her welcome address, Prof. Jaya Surjani, Director of Trainings at MCNUJC, articulated the motive behind the workshop. She emphasized the importance of preparing teachers to navigate the complexities of modern media and to effectively convey this knowledge to their students and communities.
The workshop aimed to provide teachers with a comprehensive understanding of the media landscape, enabling them to effectively guide the society in navigating the complexities of the digital age. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including media understanding, Tools and techniques for media management, understanding Misinformation and disinformation and the ethical implications of media consumption.
Prof. K. G. Suresh, Vice-Chancellor of MCNUJC, emphasized the critical role of educators in countering the spread of misinformation and promoting critical thinking. “Teachers are on the frontlines of preparing our youth for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age,” he said. “This workshop is a step towards equipping them with the tools they need to foster media literacy.”
A panel of experts, including Sh. Deepak Sharma, Dr. Ramdin Tyagi, Sh. Girish Upadhyay, Dr. Manoj Patel, Sh. Ashutosh Singh Thakur, Dr. P. Sasikala, and Darshan Kumar, shared their insights and expertise on media literacy. Their contributions provided valuable perspectives and practical guidance for participants.
Prof. Narayan Lal Gupta, additional General Secretary ABRSM in his address elaborated on the objectives of ABRSM, focusing on the role of media in bringing about social change. Sh. Mahendra Kapoor, National Organising Secretary ABRSM in his address, shared the achievements of ABRSM, noting its status as the largest teachers' organization in India, with over 12 lakhs members.
The certificates of participation were also distributed among the participants.
The workshop concluded with a strong call to action for educators to integrate media literacy into their curricula and to promote critical thinking among students. Both ABRSM and MCNUJC reaffirmed their commitment to supporting teachers in their efforts to create a generation of media-savvy and informed citizens.