Free MOOC on youth, democracy and technology

The Critical ChangeLab project announces the launch of a free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), Youth, Democracy and Technology: Participatory Approaches for Critical Consciousness, available on DigiCampus for University of Oulu and Open University students.

Many young people today feel that voting isn’t the only way to make their voices heard and they’re right. Almost half of young Europeans are getting involved through petitions, social movements, and online campaigns.

The free online course “Youth, Democracy and Technology” gives you practical tools to take part, make an impact, and rethink what democracy can look like in the digital age. In this course, you’ll explore how you can shape democracy in your everyday life both online and offline. You’ll also learn from the ideas of thinkers like Paulo Freire, bell hooks, and Henry Giroux, who inspire creative, participatory ways to understand and challenge social issues.

Whether you’re a student, activist, or just curious about change, this course helps you build critical thinking skills and find new ways to make your voice count.

What you’ll get:

  • 7 modules on youth participation, digital rights, eco-social justice, participatory technology, and art for change
  • Case studies from Critical Change Labs, showing how young people across Europe are rethinking democracy
  • Interactive activities and resources you can use as a student, activist, or educator
  • Free access for everyone and if you’re a registered student, you can earn 2 ECTS credits

The course is in English, completely online, and you can study at your own pace. There are no prerequisites.

About Critical ChangeLab

Critical ChangeLab is a European initiative co-funded by the Horizon Europe programme, by University of Oulu (Coordinator) – Finland, Trinity College Dublin – Ireland, University of Barcelona – Spain, stichting Waag Society WAAG – Netherlands, Ars Electronica Linz GmbH & Co – Austria, Kersnikova Institute – Slovenia, LATRA Innovation Lab – Greece, Tactical Tech – Germany, Alternatives Européennes – France, and Institute of Social Research in Zagreb – Croatia. The project brings together universities, civil society organisations, and cultural actors across Europe to design inclusive spaces where young people can develop critical literacy, experiment with democratic participation, and co-create more just futures.

Created 29.10.2025 | Updated 29.10.2025