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Checkology

Checkology

A “virtual classroom” in which students (years 5–12) learn to spot misinformation, recognise bias and question conspiratorial thinking. Lessons draw on real examples from social media and the news to engage students in critical analysis. Developed by The News Literacy Project, a US-based education nonprofit, the platform supports learners to become critical thinkers and informed and responsible digital citizens. Teacher registration is required.

Common Sense Education

Common Sense Education

A US database packed with digital and media literacy lesson plans for teachers (years F–12), created by Common Sense Education and Harvard University education experts. Major collections include the Digital Citizenship Curriculum, the Digital Literacy & Well-Being Curriculum and the Essential News & Media Literacy Skills collection. Together, these lessons cover digital footprints, healthy habits, relationships and cyberbullying, social media algorithms, AI, media balance and much more.

Digital Citizenship+ Resource Platform

Digital Citizenship+ Resource Platform

An expansive database of classroom resources dedicated to building digital and information literacy among young people (years 5–12). Designed for educators by Harvard University’s Berkman Klein Center, lesson plans cover everything from understanding information quality and the digital economy to protecting your privacy and reputation.

eSmart

eSmart

An extensive program of lesson plans and online modules (years F–10) designed to keep children informed, responsible and safe online. Younger students can earn their “Digital Licence”, while older students can explore the Media Literacy Lab (requires teacher registration). Created by the Alannah & Madeline Foundation and endorsed by eSafety, these resources are aligned to the Australian curriculum and cover topics such as advertising, consent and AI images. Teachers can also complete professional development modules.

MediaWise

MediaWise

MediaWise is an initiative of the Poynter Institute that provides learners of all ages with the tools and critical skills they need to identify misinformation via online modules, explainers, videos, fact checks and lesson plans for educators. Its program includes the Hit Pause Media Literacy Curriculum, which offers 11 ready-to-use lessons for secondary students, focusing on fact checking, critical evaluation of information and responsible sharing online. Poynter is the home of the International Fact-Checking Network, and MediaWise oversees the Teen Fact-Checking Network.

Newshounds

Newshounds

A nine-part, curriculum-aligned media literacy resource designed by the producers of the Squiz Kids news podcast. Aimed at primary school educators (years 3–6) and built like an online board game, it helps kids become “internet detectives” by teaching them how to question, analyse and verify online information. The resource includes a ready-to-teach lesson sequence, student workbook and comprehensive teacher manual, making it accessible for parents without prior media literacy expertise.

Other Side of the Story: News and Media Literacy Resources

Other Side of the Story: News and Media Literacy Resources

A collection of explainers, lesson plans, games and quizzes designed by the UK’s BBC Teach to help secondary students (years 7–10) develop skills in media analysis and critical thinking. Covering topics such as misinformation and media influence, the resources explain how to critically evaluate sources, identify bias and make informed decisions. Some video content may be geo-blocked and unavailable in Australia.

The PM’s Daughter

The PM’s Daughter

A 10-part fictional drama series exploring the life of a teenager whose mum is the Australian prime minister. Created by the ABC in collaboration with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation, the show is accompanied by teaching toolkits (years 5–10) that explore themes such as civic responsibility, media influence, friendship and activism, offering a springboard for class discussions on digital citizenship, leadership and personal values.

Triage Your Fact-Checking

Triage Your Fact-Checking

A board game exercise designed by US public broadcaster NPR to help journalism students evaluate facts and consider how they are presented in news reports. Using a four-quadrant card printout with pre-prepared examples, the game develops skills in critical thinking, decision-making and media literacy by challenging learners to assess how information is attributed or omitted, offering hands-on experience in navigating real-world news verification.