The project "Planting Seeds in Danlan-Wenshan: A Media Literacy Pilot in Shiding" centers on developing next-generation, locally grounded strategies and methods for media literacy education. To achieve this goal, the two-year project began in 2023 with a focus on building connections and mutual understanding with key local stakeholders in the field. This included discussions with the Shiding District Chief and local young farmers to understand regional challenges and community dynamics; meetings with the Cheng Fu-Tien Cultural and Educational Foundation to learn about their established local network; and consensus-building meetings with Shenkeng and Yunhai Elementary Schools to explore how media literacy can be integrated into teaching practices. The project also engaged with Beixin and Ankang Elementary Schools in Xindian District, using NCCU’s affiliated elementary school as a pilot site to introduce sports-themed media literacy curriculum across schools.

To deepen awareness of the Shiding-Yongan area among NCCU students and faculty and foster collaborative efforts, the team organized a documentary curation activity and cultural tours led by local elders—offering students a richer understanding of the community’s heritage.

To strengthen media literacy capacity, the project positioned local teachers’ communities as a central force. By connecting them with university faculty and students who provided professional support, the team co-developed teaching materials, media literacy modules, and lesson plan examples. An open and ongoing discussion mechanism was established to gradually embed media literacy awareness into daily teaching routines. Importantly, to avoid a top-down directive approach from school principals—which could cause resistance or misunderstanding from frontline educators—the project intentionally centered the voices, schedules, teaching goals, and habits of first-line teachers. These educators are recognized as long-term partners in the development and success of the project.