Teaching Media Literacy in the Digital Age

by Frank McDougall
in $$$, News
on 31 August 2024

Educators, policymakers, and researchers are all grappling with the challenge of teaching media literacy to young people in the digital age. With the abundance of information available online, it is crucial for students to develop critical thinking skills and the ability to evaluate the credibility of sources. While there are many different approaches being explored, one common theme is the importance of evidence-based practices.

One program that has shown promise is the Civic Online Reasoning program developed by DIG. This free curriculum teaches lateral reading, which involves evaluating source credibility by looking for background information in separate browser tabs. By teaching skills such as click restraint and encouraging students to ask questions about the people or organizations behind claims, the program aims to help students think about online information in a fundamentally different way.

Studies have shown that interventions focused on lateral reading can make a significant difference in how young people interact with information online. For example, a field study conducted in Nebraska found that students who completed lessons in lateral reading were significantly more accurate in assessing source credibility compared to their peers who did not receive the intervention. Similar results have been observed in Canada, Germany, and Italy.

In addition to teaching critical thinking skills, educators are also working on addressing the social and emotional aspects of media literacy. The Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard Graduate School of Education, in collaboration with Common Sense Media, is developing resources to educate adolescents about the features of social media designed to keep them engaged and to promote healthier social media use. By focusing on evidence-based practices and involving students in the design of the curriculum, these resources aim to empower young people to navigate the digital landscape with confidence.

Furthermore, organizations like Connected Learning Alliance and This Teenage Life are leveraging young people’s interests and passions to teach media literacy skills. Connected Camps, for example, pairs young gamers with college students to learn about digital citizenship in the context of the gaming universe. The This Teenage Life podcast teaches students to produce podcasts while critically engaging with the digital ecosystem.

As the landscape of media and technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for educators to adapt their approach to teaching media literacy. By incorporating evidence-based practices, involving students in the design of the curriculum, and leveraging young people’s interests, educators can better equip students with the skills they need to be savvy consumers and creators of digital media.

Additional facts:

1. Digital literacy refers to the ability to use digital technology, communication tools, and networks to access, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create information in order to function in a knowledge society.

2. Media literacy encompasses a broader set of skills, including the ability to critically analyze and evaluate media messages, understand media’s role in society, and create media content.

3. The rise of fake news and misinformation has increased the importance of media literacy in the digital age. Students need to be able to discern between credible and unreliable sources of information.

4. Media literacy education is not just limited to schools but also extends to parents, community organizations, and the wider society. It requires a collaborative effort to ensure that individuals are equipped with the necessary skills.

5. Key questions associated with teaching media literacy include: How can educators effectively integrate media literacy into existing curriculum? How can media literacy be taught across different grade levels? What strategies can be used to engage students in critical thinking about media?

Key challenges or controversies:

1. A key challenge is keeping up with the rapidly changing media landscape. New technologies and platforms constantly emerge, making it difficult for educators to stay current and adapt their teaching methods accordingly.

2. Some controversies associated with media literacy education include concerns about bias in curriculum development, the potential for censorship, and the difficulty of measuring the impact of media literacy interventions.

Advantages of teaching media literacy:

1. Media literacy equips individuals with critical thinking skills that are valuable in their personal and professional lives. It enables them to navigate the vast amount of information available online and make informed decisions.

2. Media literacy promotes active citizenship by encouraging individuals to engage critically with media messages, question the dominant narratives, and participate in democratic processes.

Disadvantages of teaching media literacy:

1. Incorporating media literacy into existing curriculum can be challenging, as educators may face resistance or lack the necessary resources and training.

2. Media literacy education requires ongoing updates and adaptations to keep up with changing technologies and platforms.