The meeting, held at the Catholic University of Croatia, included discussions on the first day that focused on updates regarding planning and deliverables, as well as reviewing quiz production and related educational documentation. The afternoon saw updates on Work Package 3, covering the various versions of the project’s game, translations, finalisation dates, and associated educational materials. Updates were also provided on progress concerning adult interventions, communication strategies, events, and website/social media animation. The day concluded with an open discussion involving all team members regarding materials needed for the upcoming “Voices” exhibit, including potential posters, game formats, questionnaires, and the collection of young people’s stories.

Day two began with updates on Work Package 4, focusing on school testing and class interventions, Training of Trainers (TOTs), and the preparation of educational documents for the project toolkit. The morning also included a session dedicated to exploring potential publication opportunities. These focused sessions allowed the team to align efforts, address challenges, and chart the course for the next phase of the Algowatch project.

Researcher Igor Kanižaj from DKMK emphasized the project’s concepts, competencies, and activities, stressing the profound impact of algorithms and AI on online experiences. “They play a crucial role in shaping our online experiences, influencing our opinions and the information we consume,” Kanižaj stated.

The conference, which aimed to address the evolving landscape of new media, provided a platform for Algowatch to educate librarians on the project’s initiatives. DKMK, an official partner of the Croatian Education and Teacher Training Agency (AZOO), is responsible for media literacy education for educators, delivering content at more than 10 national conferences annually. The agency, which oversees educational development in Croatia, will continue to disseminate the Algowatch project through these conferences in 2025.

The intensive training, held in Zagreb, was led by researcher and lead trainer Igor Kanižaj, who equipped teachers with essential competencies, objectives, exercises, and activities designed to demystify algorithms and AI. The interactive session focused on practical application, with immediate feedback aimed at identifying areas for improvement and laying the groundwork for future educational initiatives.

“This was the first education on algorithms and AI I have attended. We don’t have enough knowledge to help our students in navigating a media world full of disinformation,” one participating teacher remarked, highlighting the urgent need for such training. Another educator, a daily social media user, expressed surprise at the extent to which algorithms shape their online experience.

The Algowatch Training of Trainers (TOT) program aims to prepare educators to effectively navigate the complexities of AI and algorithms, thereby enhancing students’ media and information literacy (MIL). The training included a comprehensive introduction to algorithms and AI, an overview of the MIL competence framework in Algo-AI literacy, and a detailed exploration of Algowatch resources. Participants also engaged in discussions about intended learning outcomes and work plans.

DKMK educators will provide ongoing support to the teachers within their school environments, ensuring a continuous improvement journey over the coming months. The training underscores the Algowatch project’s commitment to equipping educators with the tools necessary to address the challenges posed by algorithms and AI in today’s information-saturated world.

“Very useful and highly needed education for us as daily social media users, but more important as teachers,” another participant noted, emphasizing the relevance of the training for both personal and professional development.