A critical approach to worldview sources in the age of social media and AI
Study day for teachers of Roman Catholic religious education and Islam
The world of today’s pupils is shaped largely by online content and digital interactions. The endless stream of posts, reels, stories, TikToks and shorts is – just as it is for so many adults – their window on the world.
Online content in the classroom context
The influence of online content is becoming increasingly visible in the classroom: it fuels young people’s curiosity, but it also reinforces prejudices.
In religious education classes, this often gives rise to complex discussions about truth, interpretation and authority. The teacher is then faced with the difficult task of guiding pupils through the swamp of influencers, bite-sized content, centuries-old traditions and internal pluralism.
Critical questions about online content
This study day therefore focuses on critically engaging with worldview-inspired sources and online (fake) content. Particular attention will be given to questions such as:
- What stance can a teacher take towards online content relating to worldview-inspired sources? What are the pitfalls and the opportunities?
- How can a teacher today bear authentic witness, drawing on their own tradition?
- How can they handle contentious discussions, while remaining attentive to diversity, social cohesion and a sense of safety within the classroom?
Methodology
Through academic reflection and professional exchange with colleagues across the boundaries of the Roman Catholic and Islamic traditions, this study day aims to motivate and support teachers of religious and worldview education in addressing the many challenges they face in today’s classroom.
Organizers
This study day is organized by UCSIA in collaboration with the inspector-advisers for Roman Catholic religious education of the Dioceses of Antwerp and Ghent and the Archdiocese of Mechelen–Brussels, as well as the Flemish inspector-advisers for Islamic education (CIO).
The full programme will be announced soon.
