Digital Discourse Initiative

The Digital Discourse Initiative is a collaborative project developed by TIE and ISD. It provides bespoke educational tools to address the effects of online hate and disinformation on children and young people.

A free online professional learning module for Scottish teachers and educators is currently available, providing schools with the knowledge, understanding, and tools to equip children and young people to navigate online environments critically.

Development for programme expansion is underway. This will include educational sessions for learners and information for parents and carers.

Many learners enter the classroom having already experienced hate speech and harassment in online spaces – as victims and targets, consumers or readers, producers, perpetrators and disseminators.

UNESCO (2024)

What is the Digital Discourse Initiative?

Our Project Partner

Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) is a globally focused, independent “think and do tank” committed to safeguarding public safety, national security, human rights, and democracy in the digital age. They have an international team of researchers, digital analysts, policy and capacity building experts, and frontline practitioners who monitor extremism and disinformation, and develop interventions.

isdglobal.org

This is one of the best courses I have completed in my teaching career, it is so necessary in today’s world. The knowledge that I have gained from this course is invaluable. It is extremely helpful when dealing with this growing issue of disinformation in the classroom.

Carmen Secondary Teacher, South Lanarkshire

CPD

This E-Learning module provides teachers and school staff with an improved knowledge and understanding of how modern social media platforms work and their role in facilitating online disinformation and prejudicial content.

The content in this module will also be relevant for Community Learning and Development (CLD) staff across Scotland.

The module will provide you with tools, strategies, and considerations to respond to behaviours influenced by prejudicial content online and equip learners to become critical digital citizens.

By completing this course, you will have:

a basic understanding of current digital architecture
a detailed knowledge of extremist content online
an awareness of evidence-based ‘Counter-Strategies’ and relevant considerations for schools
strategies and tools for curriculum making
information about available resources

This course is suitable for all teachers, school staff and educators in Scotland.

You will receive a CPD certificate upon completion.

Duration: Approx. 4 hours

Access Course