FI.D.O

The FI.DO (FIghting the fake news and DisinfOrmation) project is aimed at people in old age who have already developed some knowledge of the digital world, but this knowledge comes from the practical use of online tools and is not backed up by any theory or specific preparation.

The rapid spread of the Covid19 pandemic has multiplied the possibility of accessing fake news which, in an instant, can go around the world, making the unsuspecting and ill-equipped user believe it. Exposing citizens to large-scale misinformation, including misleading or blatantly false information, is a major challenge for Europe.

Older people are among the most vulnerable and permeable to misinformation. The FI.DO project aims to combat fake news and distortion by improving the digital skills of older people and developing tools for educators.

During the implementation of the project, a training method will be developed and used in interactive workshops where older people will have the opportunity to discuss the project topic and experience simple practical exercises with mass communication experts. Furthermore, a manual will be developed to support adult teaching staff in developing their skills and a video game aimed at older people, capable of creating an enjoyable educational experience to develop their digital skills.

Specific objectives

• To improve the digital literacy of the elderly who will participate in the project and more specifically to enhance their ability to recognise and distinguish real news from fake news.
• In the long term, and through the wide dissemination of the applications produced, the FI.DO project aims to minimise the negative social, economic and political impact of fake news in Europe.

Achieved results – developed deliverables

• The creation of a new training method, which will be tested in practice during an interactive workshop (LiveLab) with elderly participants and Mass Communication experts as facilitators. During the workshop, the topics of interest of the project will be discussed and the effectiveness of the method will be tested through simple practical exercises. The initial version of this new training method is expected to be ready in mid-spring 2022.
• The creation of a Handbook, which will serve as a support tool for educational staff working in the fields of Lifelong Learning and Adult Education. The aim is to familiarize the teaching staff with the theoretical basis of the above mentioned new educational method by December 2022.
• The creation of an educational videogame, linked to the main project objective. This game, as well as the educational method, will be tested and evaluated during an interactive workshop by the participating seniors, and is expected to be released in late autumn 2022.

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Partnership