"In Ya Face(book)"
Start date: Aug 1, 2015,
End date: Jan 31, 2016
PROJECT
FINISHED
The idea for this training with the topic “In ya face(book)” came up during a conversation at an international networking training, “International cooperation for newcomers”, in which the person in charge of this training was involved. They were talking about the different ways of interaction in social networks young people in their countries have. Young people are frequently not behaving responsible as they lack knowledge concerning the dangerousness of social networks because the virtual world is not tangible for them in real life. By this oversharing, cyber-bullying and wrong self-portrayal are meant, which are not tangible at first, but do have an impact that can massively affect reallife. Further racism in the internet is an increasing obstacle which causes perplexity when it comes to reacting in an appropriate way. This can be traced back to the extensive anonymity on the internet, which makes it nearly impossible to track down and penalize the reallife person behind the racist utterances. The affect and dangerousness and numerous possibilities how to diminish the problems were introduced, as well as the causes for cyber-bullying. Another focus within the various workshop sessions was put onto oversharing and the wrong self-portrayal, as users are not aware of the consequences that might follow, as for example losing their job.
For the reasons mentioned above, this training for youth workers was organized. The aim was to provide information and work on methods to prevent jeopardy which come from the wrong use of social networks.
In order to make sure that the participants will be able to pass on their knowledge to the young people they work with, the workshop sessions were held using non-formal/informal learning and teaching methods.
The participants have learnt the following in order to provide information in their countries:
-positive and negative aspects of social media
- terms of use of Facebook
- causes and effects of cyber-bullying
- wrong self-portrayal in social networks
- reasons and threats hailing from fake-profiles
- prevention of racism and reaction to racism on the Internet
- reasons and threats of oversharing
- distinction between communicating online and in real life
This training for youth-workers took place in Villach/Landskron (Carinthia,Austria) from 29.08.2015 until 05.09.2015. The 27 participants were from Austria, Italy, Turkey, Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Ireland and Malta.
The working language used throughout the week was English. Thus the participants did not only improve their language competences but also their chances on the job-market will rise by knowing a foreign language. Another aspect that whas been promoted is working in groups to connect throughout different countries and cultures and get to know other lifestyles and languages. To present and get to know all countries, we have organised intercultural evenings.