Introduction to lesson

The 21st century has brought a huge boom in information and communication technologies. Digital tools have become an integral part of our daily lives – whether at work, at home or during leisure activities. Today’s societies can be called digital, and in addition to entertainment, they use technology and the Internet for all kinds of participation – from culture, through health care, education, business to politics. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has further multiplied the importance of participatory tools and extended their use to several other sectors. This goes hand in hand with the need to increase citizens’ digital literacy in order to be able to make effective and good use of online tools, especially participatory ones. Their appropriate use can positively change society, while individuals are able to initiate and achieve change on local, national or even international level. In particular, social networks have become the dominant media channel in the last decade, the function of which is also participatory involvement. In today’s digital age, it is really easy to take the initiative, to campaign for positive change, and even get your ideas to the highest politicians or other authorities. However, it is important to know how to do it, and especially if you are a journalist or youth worker and have the opportunity to reach, inspire and educate other people. 
Research carried out by the Council of Europe and the Digital Citizenship Education Expert Group created by it has shown that one of the main challenges is the lack of awareness of the importance of developing competences in the field of digital citizenship among teachers. That is why we consider it extremely important for educators, youth workers and journalists to be familiar with digital citizenship and participation tools. In this course you will get acquainted with all the basic concepts in this area – you will learn what forms of digital citizenship we know, how to participate online and especially how you can advocate as a journalist, youth worker as well as youth for positive changes within your community or the whole country and even beyond the borders. We will introduce you to several tools that you can use to do so and become an engine of small or large changes and inspire many others.