Prof Aphra Kerr from Maynooth University, Ireland, presented a paper titled ‘Should Algo- and AI literacy be part of Media & Information Literacy (MIL), and How? (Preliminary) Results from a meta-analysis’ to the Media Education section at the International Association for Media and Communications Research conference in Christchurch New Zealand on the 4th of July, 2024.
Co-authored with Prof Divina Frau Meigs, Lana Ciboci Perša, Vitor Tome and Igor Kanižaj from the Algowatch project the presentation reported on the initial findings from a meta-analysis of a sample of 100 highly cited academic journal articles published across the social sciences since 2015.
The analysis sought to identify definitions of algorithmic literacy, evolving Media and Information Literacy competencies and frameworks, and to identify best practice in the development of Algorithmic and AI literacy programmes. It presented an updated working definition of algorithmic literacy and suggestions on how to update key competencies including knowledge, skills, attitudes and values. It also reported on the co-creation sessions conduct with teenagers in schools and a youth club in Ireland.
The other panelists were reporting on research conducted in Indonesia, China, Hong Kong and New Zealand.
The paper was well received and all the panelists agreed that algorithmic literacy needs to be part of MIL while localizing any interventions for local contexts.
