How can students learn to critically assess health information found online? And how can teachers be supported in systematically fostering digital skills? These are the central questions addressed by the project “Durchblickt! II.” Its goal is to strengthen the digital health literacy of students, teachers, and parents – systematically embedded within the “school setting in Germany.”
The joint project is scientifically supervised by the Assistant Professorship of Health Literacy, led by Prof. Dr. Orkan Okan and Research Associate Lisa Stauch, in cooperation with the University of Potsdam (project lead: Prof. Dr. Kevin Dadaczynski).
“We conducted a great deal of foundational research during the first funding phase. Now, we are building on these findings to deepen application-oriented research. The interventions are therefore derived directly from our previous results and the gaps we identified regarding school-based and digital health literacy,” explains Prof. Okan.
From status quo to impact assessment
During the first funding phase, the focus was on the question: What is the current state of digital health literacy in schools? Comprehensive surveys among students and school staff were used to determine the status quo.
The ongoing second funding phase, running until the end of 2026, focuses on evaluating and further developing the program. “We want to examine whether the project actually has an effect. Are competencies being strengthened - and if so, to what extent?” says Stauch.
The next phase of the project includes two key components
In the second project phase, the Durchblickt! intervention will be further developed. This includes revising and expanding teaching and learning materials based on previous survey results, adding new content on current topics related to digital health.
At the same time, the scientific evaluation continues: online surveys conducted before and after the interventions assess how the digital health literacy of students, teachers and school administrators evolves. An additional process evaluation examines how schools have implemented the program in practice and which factors influence its effectiveness.
Finally, the results will be prepared and published - not only in scientific articles but also in fact sheets and press releases - ensuring that the findings feed back into both research and school practice.
“A practical outcome of the first phase was the ‘self-check’ tool for teachers, which allows them to assess their own digital health literacy. Now, we aim to focus even more on supporting its targeted development,” adds the Research Associate.
Added value for students, teachers and parents
The project is designed to be tailored to its target groups. “Often, prevention and health promotion programs are implemented without being evaluated. As a result, it remains unclear whether they are effective at all. ‘Durchblickt! II’ goes one step further: we are systematically assessing its impact,” emphasizes Stauch.
For students: They learn early on how to critically handle health information—a crucial protective skill in the face of online misinformation.
For teachers: They receive practice-oriented materials, training opportunities, and tools that support their work in the classroom and strengthen their own competencies.
For parents: They are included in the process, ensuring that digital health literacy is promoted not only at school but also within the family environment.
“In the long run, this benefits everyone. Those who learn in school to critically evaluate information and make informed decisions will continue to benefit from these skills well into adulthood,” explains Prof. Okan.
Sustainability through scientific evaluation
Sustainability is particularly important to the project team. “Prevention and health promotion programs are only meaningful if their effectiveness is evaluated. With ‘Durchblickt! II’ we want to ensure that schools, teachers and families receive practical support - while also providing scientific clarity about the program’s impact,” concludes Stauch.
The project DURCHBLICKT! is funded by the Barmer Health Insurance Fund.
To the Assistant Professorship of Health Literacy homepage
To the project homepage “Durchblickt! II”
To the project page “Durchblickt!”
Contact
Prof. Dr. Orkan Okan
Assistant Professorship of Health Literacy
Am Olympiacampus 11
80809 Munich
phone: +49 89 289 24660
e-mail: Orkan.Okan[at]tum.de / info.healthliteracy[at]tum.de
Lisa Stauch
Assistant Professorship of Health Literacy
Am Olympiacampus 11
80809 Munich
phone: +49 89 289 24991
e-mail: Lisa.Stauch[at]tum.de
Text: Bastian Daneyko
Photos: Private