Jisc Change Agents' Network Conference 2024

The online Media and Misinformation course was developed during 2023 by librarians Rachel Donlon, Julie Burrell and Sarah Webb along with Library Associate student co-creators from Library and Cultural Services at Manchester Metropolitan University. 

Building on the offer around fake news, misinformation and information literacy, the self-directed Media and Misinformation course forms part of Manchester Met’s RISE programme. RISE is a flagship initiative which enables students to engage in co-curricular experiential learning to enhance their futures. The course, which is also open to the public, takes approx. 5-10 hours and supports the development of digital and self-effectiveness graduate attributes.

Student co-creators, from a range of disciplines, have been employed to research and write course content, script and create videos and review the whole course. The building of successful working relationships with and between the students has created engaging content while developing the Associate’s skills. These have included research, video editing, feedback, time-management and critical thinking and the ability to apply some of these skills to their own learning. Continued engagement, feedback and contributions from students to the course will be crucial to its success and longevity going forward.

The experience of working with student co-creators on the project has been positive and impactful and will evidence future work to empower student involvement in future library projects at the planning stage. Further student-staff partnerships are developing within Library and Cultural Services at Manchester Met, embracing a new and dynamic approach to engaging and employing students as co-creators. 

This session will be useful for others co-creating teaching and learning materials with students. It will explore the work partnership with the Student Associates on the Media and Misinformation RISE project and consider the reflections of staff and students. It will outline the benefits to both parties and the materials produced.