For Educators

Teachers Handbook

Practical guidance for integrating EMOD into university courses, professional training, or self-directed learning. No fluff, no buzzwords. Just concrete methods you can use.

Overview

EMOD (European Master of Countering Disinformation) is a free e-learning platform developed by the SAUFEX consortium. It provides 64 modules across 10 learning paths, covering identification, analysis, and response to foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI).

This handbook gives you what you need to integrate EMOD into your teaching, whether as a standalone course, supplementary material, or professional workshop. We've included delivery models, grading rubrics, and discussion prompts ready to adapt.

Key Features for Educators

Modular structure: Each module is self-contained (8-10 minutes)
Audience-tailored: Content filtered by role (policymakers, journalists, researchers, etc.)
Framework-based: Built on the DROG Intervention Menu (DIM) methodology
Free access: No registration required, completely open

Our Approach

EMOD takes a practical, evidence-based approach to counter-disinformation training. We focus on building analytical skills rather than teaching shortcuts that break under real-world complexity.

Core Principles

Low drama, high signal

We avoid sensationalism. No "crack the code" narratives or breathless warnings. Clear analysis, not Netflix drama.

Anti-overclaim

We teach confidence levels: low, medium, high. We say "signals suggest X" rather than "this is definitely Y." Certainty is earned, not assumed.

Focus on harm and impact

"Foreign" is a possible attribute, not the goal. We teach harm assessment, intent analysis, coordination detection, and impact evaluation.

Detection is not intervention

Identifying a problem is step one. Choosing the right response is the real skill. We train both analysis and intervention selection.

Evidence Ladder

Every module teaches students to classify evidence by strength, not just presence:

Strong Signals

Coordinated timing + shared infrastructure
Account creation patterns
Cross-platform content reuse
Documented attribution

Medium Signals

Repeated coordination behaviours
Partial attribution links
Unusual engagement patterns
Content amplification anomalies

Weak Signals

Grammar or language patterns
"It feels choreographed"
"It spread fast"
Vibes and intuition alone

Weak signals are reasons to investigate, not conclusions to report.

DIM Framework

The DROG Intervention Menu (DIM) is the methodological backbone of EMOD. It provides a structured approach to selecting interventions based on context, not reflex. DIM is not a timeline. It's a menu. Your training teaches people to pick the right tool for the context.

The Five Generations

Generation 1: Awareness

Basic media literacy campaigns. "Be aware disinformation exists." Necessary foundation, but limited effectiveness alone. Often where interventions stop prematurely.

Generation 2: Debunking

Reactive

Fact-checking and correction after false content spreads. Works best for misinformation (honest errors). Less effective for disinformation (deliberate deception) or committed believers. Correcting someone who knows they're lying rarely changes their behaviour.

Generation 3: Prebunking

Proactive

Inoculation against manipulation techniques before exposure. Teaches recognition of tactics rather than specific claims. More durable than debunking because it builds resistance to future encounters with similar techniques.

Generation 4: Moderation

Structural

Platform-level interventions: content removal, labelling, reduced distribution, account suspension. Necessary for coordinated inauthentic behaviour. Raises free expression concerns that must be weighed against harm reduction.

Generation 5: Interaction Design

Systemic

Redesigning how platforms and information systems work. Friction before sharing, algorithmic changes, transparency requirements, interoperability. Addresses root causes rather than symptoms. The frontier of counter-disinformation work.

Matching Response to Context

The key skill EMOD develops is matching the right intervention to the situation:

Situation	Recommended DIM	Rationale
Person shared false claim they believe is true	G2 Debunk	Correction works when intent wasn't to deceive
Predictable manipulation campaign approaching (e.g., election)	G3 Prebunk	Build resistance before exposure
Coordinated inauthentic accounts spreading content	G4 Moderate	Debunking won't stop bad-faith actors
Platform design amplifies harmful content systematically	G5 Redesign	Address the system, not individual content

The DROG Principle

Stop treating detection as the hero. Stop assuming stable patterns. Stop defaulting to "educate/fact-check." Start teaching context selection, intervention choice, and interaction conditions. Detection is input into choosing an intervention, not the intervention itself.

Self-Study Guidelines

EMOD is designed to support independent learning. Here's how to guide students through effective self-study:

Recommended Learning Sequence

Foundation Modules

Start with "Understanding Disinformation Basics" and "Media Literacy Fundamentals" to establish core concepts and terminology.

Role-Specific Paths

Use the audience filter to focus on modules relevant to the learner's field (journalism, policy, research, etc.).

Advanced Topics

Progress to specialised paths like "Disinfonomics," "Platform Governance," or "AI & Synthetic Media" based on interest.

Study Recommendations

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Pace

2-3 modules per session, allowing time for reflection between topics.

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Notes

Keep a learning journal to record key concepts, questions, and real-world examples.

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Practice

Apply concepts by analysing current news stories for manipulation techniques.

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Glossary

Use the Glossary to reinforce terminology and explore related concepts.

Time Commitment

Programme	Modules	Est. Time
Core Fundamentals	12 modules	2-3 hours
Role-Specific Track	15-20 modules	3-4 hours
Complete Programme	64 modules	10-12 hours

Course Delivery

EMOD can be integrated into university courses, professional training, or workshop formats. Here are recommended delivery models:

Delivery Models

Model A: Flipped Classroom

Recommended for semester courses

•Students complete assigned EMOD modules before class (2-4 modules/week)
•In-class time devoted to discussion, case studies, and practical exercises
•Weekly reflection papers connecting module content to current events
•Group projects applying DIM framework to real disinformation cases

Model B: Intensive Workshop

For professional development (1-3 days)

•Pre-workshop: Assign 6-8 foundational modules as preparation
•Workshop: Focus on hands-on exercises, simulations, and role-play
•Include live analysis of current disinformation campaigns
•Post-workshop: Self-directed completion of remaining modules

Model C: Supplementary Material

Integration into existing courses

•Select specific modules relevant to course topics
•Assign as required or recommended reading alongside primary materials
•Use glossary terms to standardise vocabulary
•Reference DIM framework in assignments

Suggested Weekly Schedule (14-Week Semester)

Week	Focus	Modules
1-2	Foundations & Terminology	Disinformation Basics, Media Literacy
3-4	FIMI & Threat Landscape	FIMI Introduction, Hybrid Threats
5-6	Detection & Verification	OSINT Techniques, Source Verification
7-8	DIM Framework	Debunking, Prebunking, Inoculation
9-10	Platform Dynamics	Content Moderation, Algorithmic Amplification
11-12	Specialisation	Role-specific modules (journalism, policy, etc.)
13-14	Capstone Projects	Applied analysis, presentations

Discussion Prompts

1.Find a recent example of disinformation. Which manipulation techniques does it use?
2.Apply the DIM framework: What intervention would you recommend and why?
3.What are the trade-offs between content moderation and free expression?
4.How might AI change the disinformation landscape in the next 5 years?
5.Design a prebunking campaign for a specific audience on a topic of your choice.

Grading Guidelines

EMOD modules include quizzes but no formal grading. For academic credit, you'll need your own assessment framework. Here's what we recommend: tested approaches that reward good judgement over rote recall:

Assessment Components

Module Completion & Reflection

20%

• Weekly reflection journals (1-2 pages) connecting modules to current events
• Demonstrated engagement with module content and glossary terms
• Credit for completing assigned modules on schedule

Participation & Discussion

20%

• Quality contributions to class discussions
• Ability to apply concepts from modules to discussion topics
• Peer engagement and constructive feedback

Case Study Analysis

25%

• Mid-term assignment: Analyse a disinformation campaign using EMOD frameworks
• Identify actors, techniques, platforms, and target audiences
• Propose intervention strategies using the DIM framework

Final Project

35%

• Design a counter-disinformation intervention for a specific context
• Options: prebunking campaign, policy brief, platform recommendation, training programme
• Present and defend methodology using EMOD concepts

Rubric: Case Study Analysis

Criterion	Excellent (A)	Satisfactory (B-C)	Needs Work (D-F)
Identification	Correctly identifies type, actors, techniques with appropriate confidence levels	Identifies most elements; confidence levels unclear	Significant misidentification or overclaims certainty
Framework Application	Selects appropriate DIM intervention with clear rationale for context	Applies framework but with incomplete reasoning	Defaults to debunking without considering alternatives
Evidence Strength	Classifies signals as weak/medium/strong; uses multiple credible sources	Adequate sourcing; signal strength not clearly distinguished	Treats all signals as equal weight; unverified claims
Intervention Design	Practical recommendations; acknowledges limitations and trade-offs	Reasonable suggestions lacking nuance	Unrealistic proposals; no consideration of constraints

Sample Final Project Topics

1.Design a prebunking campaign for vaccine misinformation targeting parents

2.Develop content moderation guidelines for a social media platform

3.Create a media literacy curriculum for high school students

4.Write a policy brief on AI-generated disinformation for policymakers

5.Analyse a foreign influence operation and propose countermeasures

6.Design a newsroom protocol for verifying viral content

Online Course Adaptation

EMOD's web-based format makes it ideal for online learning. Here's how to structure a fully online course:

LMS Integration

EMOD can be integrated with any Learning Management System (Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard, etc.):

Link directly to specific modules in your LMS course structure
Create discussion forums corresponding to each module or learning path
Use LMS quizzes to verify understanding of module concepts
Embed glossary terms as LMS glossary entries for quick reference

Asynchronous vs Synchronous

AAsynchronous Elements

• Self-paced EMOD module completion
• Discussion board responses
• Weekly reflection journals
• Peer review of written work
• Case study submissions

SSynchronous Elements

• Weekly video conference sessions
• Live case study discussions
• Guest speaker presentations
• Group project work sessions
• Final project presentations

Recommended Weekly Structure

Days 1-4: Self-Paced

→Complete assigned EMOD modules
→Post to discussion forum
→Begin reflection journal

Days 5-7: Interactive

→Live session (60-90 min)
→Respond to peers on forum
→Submit reflection journal

Engagement Strategies

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Clear Expectations

Publish weekly schedule with deadlines upfront

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Active Presence

Regular instructor posts and quick feedback

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Peer Learning

Small group projects and peer review

Technology Requirements

For students participating in an EMOD-based online course:

Modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
Stable internet connection for accessing EMOD and video sessions
Webcam and microphone for live sessions
Access to institution's LMS

Additional Resources

Glossary

Key terms and definitions

FAQ

Common questions answered

All Modules

Browse the complete catalogue

About EMOD

Learn about the platform

External Resources

SAUFEX Project - Learn more about the consortium behind EMOD
Digital Forensic Research Lab - Case studies and analysis of disinformation
EUvsDisinfo - EU database of pro-Kremlin disinformation cases

Contact for Educators

Planning to use EMOD in your institution? We'd love to hear from you and support your implementation.