{"id":2578,"date":"2025-06-19T14:34:40","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T14:34:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/becid.ut.ee\/mil-in-the-mail-project-an-intervention-for-developing-young-peoples-digital-literacy\/"},"modified":"2025-06-19T14:34:40","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T14:34:40","slug":"mil-in-the-mail-project-an-intervention-for-developing-young-peoples-digital-literacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/becid.ut.ee\/et\/mil-in-the-mail-project-an-intervention-for-developing-young-peoples-digital-literacy\/","title":{"rendered":"MIL in the MAIL Project: An Intervention for Developing Young People\u2019s Digital Literacy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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BECID
March 26, 2025 \u00b7<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Authors:<\/mark><\/strong>\u00a0Kathleen Loss, Laura J\u00f5gar, Margus Vahter, and Roman Valt<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In spring 2024, we planted the seed of an idea: to create an engaging game for high school students that would help them navigate information overload more effectively. Instead of merely delivering information to memorize, we decided to offer something truly exciting \u2013 a fun online game paired with tangible rewards. Preparations began in September, and by mid-November, the game came to life. Titled\u00a0\u201cMIL in the MAIL\u201d<\/mark>,<\/strong>\u00a0the project quickly captured its target audience\u2019s attention, with nearly 1,400 young participants diving into the five-day challenge!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What\u2019s This All About?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the course\u00a0Advanced Professional Skills Course<\/em>, you and your peers will develop an idea that addresses a societal need. While\u00a0\u201cMIL in the MAIL\u201d<\/mark><\/strong>\u00a0focused on boosting high school students\u2019 digital literacy,\u00a0\u201cMIL in the MAIL 2.0\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0<\/mark>could, for example, aim to improve media literacy among seniors! The possibilities are endless\u2014you just need to define the idea and bring it to life, step by step. Along the way, you\u2019ll have the support of Estonia\u2019s top digital skills specialists\u2014certainly from Lossi 36 and possibly the entire country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Surprises for the Fast and the Dedicated<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participants in \u201cMIL in the MAIL\u201d<\/strong> honed three key skills: distinguishing news from opinion, identifying AI-generated images versus real photos, and fact-checking claims. For five days, players solved challenges, and correct answers unlocked codes to surprise boxes hidden in parcel machines each day. Many participants earned codes, leading to a thrilling race as the game\u2019s social media revealed each day\u2019s parcel location. Only the quickest players got the surprises!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But we didn\u2019t forget the dedicated players who weren\u2019t first to the parcel machine. After the game ended, we contacted the top five performers and sent them additional packages as a token of recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Travel Rewards for Excellence in Digital Skills<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most active participants received bonus prizes, including an exclusive invitation to a Delfi workshop,<\/strong> where they gained an in-depth look at the fascinating world of media. Who knows\u2014perhaps the next star journalist is among these students! For the best of the best, the rewards were even greater: a trip to a hackathon in Latvia, where participants further enhanced their media skills. And yes \u2013 all expenses were covered!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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12 Steps to Bring Your Game to Life<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to plan your project? Here\u2019s a step-by-step guide based on what we did to launch \u201cMIL in the MAIL\u201d.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Define the IDEA.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/mark>Start by breaking it down into CONTENT and FORMAT. Ask: \u201cWhat aspect of media literacy do we want to address?\u201d and \u201cWho is the audience, and how do we engage them?\u201d For example: \u201cFact-checking information, for high school students, using parcel machines.\u201d A clear idea helps you map out the rest of the project smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Develop the content.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/mark>If your game involves questions, ensure they\u2019re clear and unambiguous. But don\u2019t feel limited\u2014create a format that works best for your goals. Then, establish a timeline and assign roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Choose the platform.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/mark>We created a dedicated website for the game:\u00a0meedia.ut.ee\/meediakirjaoskus<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Prepare surprise boxes<\/strong>\u00a0to motivate players.<\/mark> Seek support from companies and delivery firms to fill the boxes without stretching your budget. Persistence is key when seeking sponsors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Select parcel locations.<\/mark><\/strong>\u00a0Larger cities are a safe bet for quick pick-ups, but aim to cover a wide area for inclusivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Send out the boxes.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/mark>Stick to your schedule and factor in delivery times \u2013 don\u2019t leave it until the last minute!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Launch the game!<\/strong>\u00a0<\/mark>Before going public, test it with friends or colleagues to iron out any issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Promote your project.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/mark>To reach school-age participants, inform teachers and mentors. Use social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram to connect directly with students. Adjust your strategy for other audiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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9. Create social media accounts<\/mark><\/strong>\u00a0and plan content tailored to each platform. For a wider reach, prioritize platforms like TikTok.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Appoint a project spokesperson<\/mark><\/strong>\u00a0to represent your initiative online, and create a posting schedule with engaging content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Collaborate with influencers<\/mark><\/strong>\u00a0whose values align with your project to boost visibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Post your first video.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/mark>Introduce the project\u2019s goals, participation rules, and what players can expect in the coming days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tips for Sponsorship and Game Design<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Start early.<\/strong>\u00a0Contact potential sponsors months in advance, as their responses may take time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Be confident.<\/strong>\u00a0Send your proposal to hundreds of companies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Tailor your pitch.<\/strong>\u00a0Align your offer with the company\u2019s mission and show how your project creates value for them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Target the right companies.<\/strong>\u00a0Look for organizations focused on youth, digital literacy, or safety.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Use your network.<\/strong>\u00a0Teachers, mentors, and other contacts can help spread the word and connect you with sponsors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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    • Don\u2019t procrastinate.<\/strong>\u00a0Reach out to sponsors well in advance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Don\u2019t waste time.<\/strong>\u00a0Research companies before contacting them to ensure your values align.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Don\u2019t overwhelm participants.<\/strong>\u00a0Keep the game\u2019s content concise and engaging.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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