Professional learning resources from Australia’s national museum of screen culture, ACMI. These courses and webinars are designed to help educators (F–12) teach media and digital literacy, including how to critically evaluate AI-generated content.
ADM+S Learning Resources
ADM+S is a national research centre dedicated to responsible, ethical and inclusive automated decision-making. Its suite of learning resources, aimed primarily at researchers, policymakers and educators, includes a classroom module on the use of digital technologies and data in the context of health information, suitable for years 9–12 (More-than-Human Wellbeing) and an introductory course on AI, suitable for general adult audiences (We Are AI).
Applying Critical Thinking to Navigate Online Information
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.
Breaking Harmony Square
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.
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.
Children and Media Prompt Cards
A card pack for starting conversations with students (years 1–6) about media and technology. Each card aligns with one of 6 key concepts of media literacy education: representations, institutions, audiences, languages, relationships and technologies. The cards were created by Southern Cross University education lecturer Dr Amanda Levido.
Choose Your Own Fake News
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.
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.
Data Detox Kit
A series of accessible guides for improving online privacy, security and wellbeing. Produced by German nonprofit Tactical Tech, the guides also include resources and explainers on misinformation, artificial intelligence and the connections between technology and the environment.
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.
Digital Investigations Toolkit
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).
Fakey
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.
First Draft’s Training Resources (Archived)
First Draft was a nonprofit (2015–2022) dedicated to training journalists and combating misinformation and disinformation. Its resources offer practical advice to researchers on how to find, verify and publish content sourced from the social web. First Draft’s website is now hosted by the Internet Archive and may trigger a browser security warning.
GenAI Arcade
An interactive platform for exploring and playing with generative artificial intelligence tools. Developed by QUT’s Generative AI Lab, the arcade features a series of games that demystify the technology behind AI and reveal its capabilities and limitations.
Internet Matters
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
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.
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 Digital Child’s Resources for Educators, Parents and Kids
The Digital Child is a national research centre committed to creating positive digital childhoods for all Australian children. Among its collection of free resources are lesson plans and professional learning modules for educators, digital safety fact sheets for parents and downloadable storybooks for children.
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.
Under the Radar: Harmful Industries’ Digital Marketing to Australian Children
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).