The project Bridge is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Servicio Espanol para la Internacionalizacion de la Educacion (SEPIE). Neither the European Union nor the National Agency SEPIE can be held responsible for them. -- Number: 2025-1-ES01-KA220-HED-000359236 --

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LEVEL 1. Critical Thinking and Media Literacy (CT&ML)

BRIDGE Main Challenge: A.7. Digital ecosystem, disinformation and the need for media literacy and critical thinking

What problem does it address?

Digital media expose citizens, especially young people, to misinformation, disinformation, fake news, algorithmic bias, deepfakes and AI-generated content. Unequal media literacy and digital skills make some groups more vulnerable to manipulation, polarising narratives and exclusion from informed democratic participation.

What does it propose?

CT&ML offers an integrated educational programme combining a free online course, an Open Virtual Platform, a Teacher's Manual and a Compendium. Through case studies, source evaluation, fact-checking, debates, quizzes and reflective tasks, learners build critical thinking, media literacy and responsible digital citizenship.

Why is it an inspiring practice?
  • • It integrates critical thinking, media literacy and digital citizenship.
  • • It addresses fake news, deepfakes, bias and AI-generated content.
  • • It uses active, learner-centred and evidence-based methods.
  • • It provides free, adaptable and transferable digital resources.
  • • It combines international expertise from European universities.
  • • It supports both students and educators.
  • • Its modular design can be adapted to different learning contexts.
Resources you'll find
  • • Open Virtual Platform
  • • Critical Thinking and Media Literacy online course
  • • Teacher's Manual
  • • Critical Thinking and Media Literacy Compendium
  • • Presentations, podcasts, videos and screencasts
  • • Readings, case studies and discussion topics
  • • Quizzes, assignments and evaluation forms
Featured results
1
30-hour Critical Thinking and Media Literacy course developed and piloted with students.
4
European partner universities involved in developing and piloting the programme.
1
Teacher’s Manual containing lesson plans, teaching strategies and assessment tools.
1
Open Virtual Platform providing access to online learning and assessment resources.
1
Compendium combining theoretical knowledge, case studies and discussion materials.
What can visitors learn?
• How to distinguish reliable information from misleading content.
• How to evaluate sources, evidence, arguments and media bias.
• How algorithms and digital platforms shape information visibility.
• How to recognise manipulation, fake news, deepfakes and propaganda.
• How to practise fact-checking and evidence-based discussion.
• How to participate responsibly in digital and democratic environments.
• How educators can embed media literacy in teaching.

LEVEL 2. EXPLORE BEST PRACTICE

Introduction

Critical Thinking and Media Literacy (CT&ML) is an Erasmus+ cooperation project that develops a systematic teaching model for evaluating information and resisting media manipulation, misinformation and fake news. It combines a self-paced online course, an Open Virtual Platform, a Teacher's Manual and a Compendium to strengthen critical thinking, media literacy and responsible digital citizenship among students, educators and lifelong learners.

  • Coordinating organisation: CT&ML Project Consortium
  • Participating countries: Bulgaria (BG), Germany (DE), Italy (IT), Poland (PL)
  • Duration: 2022-2025
  • BRIDGE Main Challenge: A.7. Digital ecosystem, disinformation and the need for media literacy and critical thinking
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • SDG 4: Quality Education
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Secondary Challenges
  • A.3. Educational gaps throughout educational trajectories, including higher education
  • A.5. Discrimination, racism and sociocultural polarisation, including hate speech
  • A.6. Deficits in democratic participation, representation and inclusive governance

The Challenge

What social issue does it address?

Information disorders undermine people's ability to make informed decisions and participate in democratic life. Misinformation, disinformation, algorithmic bias, deepfakes and AI-generated content can reinforce stereotypes and polarisation. Unequal access to media literacy and digital competences leaves some learners especially vulnerable to manipulation.

Why is it important?

The practice equips learners to evaluate sources, recognise bias and manipulation, verify claims and discuss evidence responsibly. These skills support informed decision-making, democratic participation and social cohesion while helping educators respond to rapidly evolving digital threats.

How does it contribute to the BRIDGE Challenge?

CT&ML directly addresses the BRIDGE challenge concerning digital ecosystems, disinformation, media literacy and critical thinking. It provides an accessible teaching model and practical tools that strengthen resilience to information disorders and encourage responsible digital citizenship.

How does it work?

Learners use a free online course and platform containing presentations, readings, podcasts, videos, quizzes and assignments. Active methods include case analysis, source evaluation, fact-checking, debates, reflection and problem-solving. Educators receive a manual and compendium, while feedback and evaluation tools support improvement.

What might inspire you?
Ideas for adaptation
  1. Use lateral reading to verify the credibility of online sources.
  2. Analyse social media posts for bias, persuasion and manipulation.
  3. Run fact-checking exercises based on claims circulating online.
  4. Discuss how algorithms shape information bubbles and public debate.
  5. Examine deepfakes and AI-generated content using verification tools.
  6. Organise evidence-based debates on polarising social issues.
  7. Use case studies to explore the social effects of disinformation.
  8. Compare news reports to identify differences in framing and evidence.
  9. Ask students to design ethical and reliable media messages.
  10. Adapt the CT&ML modules for staff training or lifelong learning.
Resources created

Open Virtual Platform (CT&ML)

Interactive digital resource

The Open Virtual Platform is the central digital environment for the CT&ML programme. It gives learners and educators access to course materials and e-learning resources, including presentations, readings, podcasts, screencasts, tests, quizzes and assignments. It also includes evaluation forms for feedback and assessment. The platform supports self-paced learning, communication and knowledge sharing, extends access beyond the partner institutions and helps sustain the project's educational outputs after its formal completion.

Teaching staff, Students, General Public

https://learn.ctml.eu/

Critical Thinking and Media Literacy Course

Online training

A free, fully online and self-paced course designed primarily for university students. Its 30 academic hours develop skills in argument analysis, source evaluation, recognition of media bias, fact-checking and responsible decision-making. Learners examine news, social media, advertising, misinformation and fake news through presentations, readings, practical tasks, quizzes and reflective activities. The course can support formal higher education, staff development and lifelong learning, and participants may receive a certificate of completion.

Teaching staff, Students, General Public

https://learn.ctml.eu/

Critical Thinking and Media Literacy Teacher's Manual

Manual

The Teacher's Manual supports educators in delivering the CT&ML course and integrating media literacy into their teaching. It explains the methodological approach, course objectives and content and provides lesson plans, activities, teaching strategies, assignments, grading criteria, rubrics and evaluation methods. Practical guidance covers student engagement, communication, feedback and classroom management. The manual enables educators to adapt the programme to different teaching formats and institutional contexts.

Teaching staff, Researchers, Professionals

https://ctml.eu/sites/default/files/Teachers-Manual.pdf