NIoT launches new centre to tackle online conspiracies
The National Institute of Teaching has announced the launch of a new Centre for Digital Information Literacy in Schools to help teachers and school leaders tackle the growing challenge of online misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy belief in schools.
Supported by funding from the Pears foundation, the centre will embed critical thinking, psychological insight and media literacy across teacher development, from trainee teachers and classroom practitioners to school leaders and governors.
The centre’s work will include national training for teachers, leadership qualifications and school governance, alongside new online learning modules, practical classroom resources and public engagement through podcasts and media campaigns. The multi-year programme will equip educators with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to teach and lead effectively in an age of misinformation. It will be led by Pip Sanderson, NIoT’s Director of Teacher Development.
Long-term, systemic change
Melanie Renowden, Chief Executive of the National Institute of Teaching, said:
“Teachers are on the front line of a new and urgent challenge – supporting young people to navigate a world increasingly shaped by misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy belief.
“Yet too often, they’re doing so without the tools, training or confidence they need. That’s why we’re proud to launch the Centre for Digital Information Literacy in Schools, generously supported by the Pears Foundation.
“This initiative aims to deliver long-term, systemic change by embedding critical thinking, psychological insight and media literacy into teacher development at every level.
“The centre has been shaped by the work of the Commission into Countering Online Conspiracies in Schools, which heard clearly from teachers that they need urgent training and support to tackle this growing challenge.
“By working in deep partnership with schools, we hope to build a generation of educators equipped to lead with clarity and confidence in the misinformation age.”
To find out more about this important work, click here to read an FAQ document.