IPA Presents SAILS Project Research Outcomes at Vilnius Conference

The International Parents Alliance (IPA) recently had the honor of presenting the results of their research, which served as the foundation for the development of resources within the SAILS project. This took place at an international conference organized by Vytautas Magnus University in Vilnius, Lithuania. The presentation was well received by a diverse international audience, who expressed great interest in the research findings. In fact, the audience’s enthusiasm led to an invitation for IPA to transform this presentation into a formal journal article for publication in the Social Education Journal.

The Importance of for Media and Information Literacy

The invitation to contribute a journal article highlights the growing recognition of media and information literacy as one of the essential skills for the 21st century. Teaching media and information literacy equips both educators and students with critical skills, such as information literacy and technological literacy. These skills are invaluable in helping learners navigate and critically analyze media content. Furthermore, this type of literacy fosters the development of essential learning skills, including critical thinking, creative thinking, collaboration, and communication.

Media literacy goes beyond simply understanding content; it empowers individuals to decode, assess, and produce media thoughtfully and responsibly. In an era of information overload, it is crucial to develop the ability to critically evaluate sources, understand the motives behind media messages, and appreciate the broader impact of media on society. This makes media and information literacy not just a practical skill, but a critical tool for engaging with the world today.

Key Themes of the Conference

The conference, hosted in Vilnius, focused on the significant role that media and information literacy plays in today’s digital age. Participants engaged in discussions around the coding and decoding of media messages and explored the emotional and intellectual influence that media has on individuals and societies. These conversations aimed to uncover the ways in which media can shape thought patterns, influence emotions, and impact societal development. A central question posed at the conference was how to create media that is both thoughtful and responsible.

Participants also explored the need for educational systems to integrate media literacy into curricula to empower students and the broader community to navigate the media landscape with confidence. By improving media literacy, individuals are better equipped to combat the negative effects of propaganda and understand the dynamics of information ecology—the study of the ways information is created, shared, and consumed in society.

The Role of Media and Information Literacy in a Global Context

One of the key messages from the conference was the relevance of media and information literacy in a global media environment. Media literacy equips people with the tools they need to critically assess the messages they receive from the media and enables them to participate responsibly in the global exchange of information. As media becomes increasingly interconnected and globalized, these skills are more vital than ever.

The conference highlighted that in order to become competent media consumers, individuals must understand not only the content but also the processes behind media production. This requires turning to media and information literacy education, which provides the necessary knowledge to critically engage with media, thus fostering a well-informed and active citizenry.

Conference Sponsors and International Collaboration

The conference in Vilnius was supported by prominent organizations, including the National Security and Defence Committee of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania and the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL). Attendees included international experts from the International Research and Exchange Council (IREX), representatives from the DRL, Lithuanian government officials, and educators from Vytautas Magnus University and other partner institutions.

This wide array of international experts underscored the importance of collaboration in promoting media and information literacy across borders. By bringing together a global community of professionals, the conference provided a platform for sharing ideas and best practices for educating individuals about media literacy in an increasingly interconnected world.

Future Publication in the ParentHelp Library

Following the successful presentation of the SAILS project research outcomes at the Vilnius conference, the findings will be further disseminated through a journal article. Once published in the Social Education Journal, this article will also be made available in the ParentHelp Library, offering parents, educators, and other stakeholders access to the valuable insights gained from the SAILS project.

The publication will mark another step in the ongoing effort to promote media and information literacy and ensure that parents and educators are equipped with the resources they need to help young people navigate today’s complex media environment.