A professional learning course for secondary school teachers to boost their ability to navigate the digital landscape. Developed by Australia’s Cool.org and the RMIT Information Integrity Hub, it explains why misinformation spreads and how educators can apply critical thinking and fact-checking skills to build resilience against false and misleading content in the form of text, photos and videos. Presented by RMIT digital literacy expert Sushi Das.
A game to help audiences aged 15+ understand the mechanics of political disinformation. Players assume the role of “chief disinformation officer” in a fictional town, learning to manipulate public opinion through tactics such as trolling, amplification and the use of emotional language. Developed by University of Cambridge psychologists and Dutch media experts, the game builds audiences’ critical thinking skills and their ability to recognise and resist online manipulation.
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.
A text-based game in which players navigate through relatable scenarios involving misinformation and disinformation, such as job scams, vaccine claims and election rumours. Developed by Ugandan civic technology organisation Pollicy, with support from the Mozilla Foundation, the game builds skills in critical thinking and decision-making, preparing players to recognise and respond to false information online.
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.
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.
A dashboard of essential tools and tips for online investigations and digital storytelling. Produced and curated by the RMIT Information Integrity Hub, the toolkit covers the basics of gathering, assessing and reporting evidence and is ideal for anyone getting started with fact checking, online verification and open-source intelligence (OSINT).
An online media-literacy game that immerses players in a simulated social media environment and awards points for identifying misinformation or promoting legitimate news stories. Developed by Indiana University’s Observatory on Social Media, the game can be used as an educational resource to teach students skills in verification and responsible digital citizenship, providing immediate feedback to help develop their critical thinking.
Internet Matters is a UK-based nonprofit that helps parents and teachers to keep children safe online by fostering critical media awareness. Its resources include Find the Fake, an interactive quiz to build children’s understanding of misinformation, along with lesson plans and other classroom resources for pre-school, primary and secondary educators.
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.
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.
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.
A series of three online modules designed for secondary students (ages 12–16) on how harmful products such as alcohol and gambling are marketed to Australian children online. Created by VicHealth and the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, the series helps students to identify persuasive marketing tactics, understand media influence and make informed choices. Modules are accompanied by a teacher guide and available through the eSmart Media Literacy Lab (requires teacher registration).