2025/04/07 by Filk, Christian
#algorithmic transparency #artificial intelligence ethics #critical thinking in education #data protection #digital citizenship #digital self-determination #educational responsibility in the digital age #ethical technology integration #media literacy #surveillance and privacy
paper · doi:10.21243/mi-01-25-29
Abstract In today’s digital society, educational institutions are responsible not only for imparting technical skills, but also for cultivating digital self-determination and fostering media literacy. This essay explores strategies through which educators and educational institutions can empower students to engage in critical thinking and responsible use of digital technologies. Key challenges include control over personal data, algorithmic transparency, and protection against manipulation by AI-driven systems. The essay contends that digital self-determination extends beyond mere media literacy, necessitating a critical examination of digital mechanisms, their ethical implications, and their societal impacts. The essay identifies three central levels of action: Personal level – students cultivate critical thinking and ethical reflection in their use of digital technologies. Institutional level – schools must establish a responsible media culture, e.g. through data protection guidelines, transparent algorithms, and ethical curricula. Cultural level – a sustainable digital education requires an ethically reflective school community in which students, teachers, and parents collaborate on the responsible use of digital technologies. Didactic approaches such as case studies of AI algorithms, role-playing games on digital ethics, and reflection exercises on digital identity are presented as effective methods for empowering students to actively shape their digital self-determination. The paper concludes that schools have a dual responsibility: they must teach digital skills while also promoting critical awareness of the ethical challenges of digitalization. To this end, a multidimensional strategy is recommended, integrating technological, pedagogical, and societal aspects to foster reflective and self-determined digital citizenship.