If you're unfamiliar with the CASEL framework, we highly recommend reading this article first, as it will greatly enhance your understanding of soft skills.
Check it out here.
Introduction to Media & Information Literacy:
Media & Information Literacy encompasses the skills needed to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media and information in various forms. In today’s digitally saturated world, MIL is crucial for navigating the vast landscape of information effectively and responsibly. This skill set enables individuals to discern the quality and credibility of information they encounter, fostering informed citizens capable of participating actively in democratic societies.
Core Area of Competence:
Media & Information Literacy is mainly associated with the following CASEL competencies:
Relationship Management: Communicate and interact effectively.
Responsible Decision Making: Consider ethical standards, social and community norms and safety concerns in making decisions.
Core Behaviors that require Media & Information Literacy:
6-8 Years:
Relationship Management:
Practicing Safe Communication: Learning the fundamentals of safe and respectful online interactions.
Example: A child is taught to only message family members and close friends in a supervised way, understanding the importance of communicating with known contacts and maintaining privacy online.
Responsible Decision Making:
Evaluating Online Actions: Recognizing the impact of online actions on themselves and others, making thoughtful choices about what to share and do online.
Example: A learner wants to share a photo online but does not do that, as they recognize the dangers of posting online private information. They decide to ask their parents for permission first, showing an understanding of ethical standards.
Relationship Management:
Respectful Communication Online: Developing skills to communicate respectfully with others online, including understanding the impact of their words.
Example: In a group chat with friends about a favorite video game, one learner initially types a strong critique of another's gaming strategy. Remembering the importance of kindness, they revise their message to add, "That's an interesting strategy, but have you considered trying this way?" demonstrating respect and fostering a positive exchange.
Responsible Decision Making:
Evaluating Information Sources: Beginning to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information.
Example: For a homework assignment on animals, a student uses a website they found through a search engine. Their teacher explains how to identify trustworthy sites by looking for educational or government domains (.edu, .gov), prompting the student to choose information from the national zoo's website instead.
12-14 Years:
Relationship Management:
Digital Citizenship: Recognizing the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of living, learning, and working in an interconnected digital world.
Example: A learner advocates for positive online behavior and digital etiquette among peers, promoting a safe and respectful online community.
Responsible Decision Making:
Understanding Media Bias: Learning to recognize bias in media and the importance of consulting diverse sources for a comprehensive view.
Example: A learner compares information from different websites to decide which facts about a science project are most accurate.
15-17 Years:
Relationship Management:
Navigating Online Interactions: Mastering the art of constructive online dialogue, including dealing with disagreement and fostering inclusive conversations.
Example: In an online forum debate, a learner skillfully navigates a heated discussion, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected, even when opinions diverge.
Responsible Decision Making:
Critical Analysis of Media: Engaging in deeper analysis of media messages and the motives behind them.
Example: A high school learner critically assesses the bias in news outlets and seeks multiple perspectives to form a well-rounded understanding of current events.
Promoting Media & Information Literacy:
For Parents and Care Givers:
Encourage discussions about content viewed on television or online, asking children what they think and feel about it. Utilize everyday media encounters as teachable moments. For instance, discuss advertisements during TV shows to understand persuasive techniques and identify the target audience.
Teach children to question the authorship and purpose of the media they consume.
Dedicate time to explore websites, apps, or games with your child. This not only provides insight into their interests but also offers opportunities to guide them on how to interact with content critically.
Provide tools and resources that help distinguish between facts, opinions, and misinformation.
Have open conversations about the concept of a digital footprint and its long-term implications, emphasizing the importance of privacy and the permanence of online actions.
For Tutors:
Integrate media analysis activities into the curriculum, encouraging students to critically evaluate the information they encounter.
Use examples from popular culture, like music videos or social media trends, to analyze messages, intended audiences, and potential effects on viewers. Discuss how different media forms shape perceptions and behaviors.
Foster an environment where students can share and discuss their experiences with media, facilitating peer learning.
Feedback and Reflection:
Provide specific feedback on how effectively learners can identify credible sources and articulate the reasoning behind their trustworthiness.
Encourage learners to reflect on instances where they questioned the validity of information and how that process influenced their decision-making.
Encourage learners to ask critical questions about the media they consume, such as "Who created this and why?" or "What message is this trying to send?" This can be applied to anything from a YouTube video to a billboard advertisement they see.
Encourage learners to set personal goals related to media literacy, such as "I will check the credibility of the information before I share it online" or "I will explore multiple viewpoints on a topic before forming an opinion."
Additional Resources:
Visit Center for Media Literacy which offers a wealth of resources on understanding and teaching media literacy.
Read UNESCO’s "Media and Information Literate Citizens: Think Critically, Click Wisely!" which provides comprehensive insights into MIL skills.
Common Sense Media guides parents and educators in navigating the vast media landscape with children and teens.
Conclusion:In a world where media and information are omnipresent, developing Media & Information Literacy is indispensable for all age groups. It equips individuals with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the digital age, discerning between what is factual and what is manipulative. Parents, caregivers, and tutors play a crucial role in guiding learners towards becoming informed, reflective, and responsible digital citizens.
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