JU hosts day-long training on media and information literacy

Jahangirnagar University (JU) on Monday organised a day-long training program titled "Media and Information Literacy" (MIL).

The training session was aimed at empowering students to navigate the complexities of the digital age and combat the rising tide of misinformation.

The program, held at the Seminar Hall of the Wazed Miah Science Research Centre, was part of the "Youth-focused Media and Information Literacy for an Informed Bangladesh Initiative." The event brought together students, educators, and experts to discuss the critical role of information processing in a modern democracy.

Professor Md Jamal Uddin Runu, director of the Guidance and Counselling Centre, and Professor Dr Md Monwar Hossain, director of the Wazed Miah Science Research Centre, attended the event.

The training was facilitated by a distinguished university panel which included, Dr Saquiba Yesmine, professor of the Department of Pharmacy; Ameena Islam, associate professor of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies; and M Salahuddin Bhuiya, associate professor of the Department of Pharmacy.

Divided into eight comprehensive modules, the sessions covered a broad spectrum of digital challenges. Key topics included privacy and data protection, research and the information cycle, and the impact of MIL on achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

A particularly timely session focused on "Responsible Social Media Use in an AI-Dominant Environment," where facilitators highlighted how artificial intelligence is changing the way news is consumed and shared. Participants were also trained in specific competencies to identify and tackle disinformation, hate speech, and online advertising tactics.

The initiative is supported by a global consortium of partners, including UNESCO, MILNetBD, and the UN Electoral Project, with funding from Australian Aid, Japan, Norway, Sweden, and UK International Development.

The day concluded with a briefing on the "Student Social Action Fellowship," an initiative designed to encourage students to take their learned literacy skills back to their respective communities to foster a more informed and resilient grassroots society.