Integrating modern media literacy in education

Hello community,

As media evolves rapidly, current curricula often fall short in addressing the nuances of platforms like TikTok and Twitter. Our aim is to develop an EdTech product that integrates media literacy into social studies and ELA curriculums, emphasizing autonomy and critical interaction with media.

I’m interested in insights on two fronts:

  1. What are the challenges you face in teaching media literacy today?
  2. What features would you find helpful in a tool designed to aid the teaching of media literacy?

Your feedback will be invaluable in shaping a tool that meets educational needs while addressing modern media challenges. Thank you for your input!

Look into Common Sense Education’s digital citizenship curriculum for contemporary media literacy lessons. Their resources are quite up-to-date and include simulations that mirror the current media environment.

@Bright1
I appreciate the suggestion! Common Sense Media is excellent, but often relies on traditional formats like videos and discussions. We’re exploring how to bridge the gap between understanding concepts and applying them to everyday digital interactions, especially in navigating algorithm-driven platforms.

The biggest challenge is breaking the cycle of passive content consumption fostered by social media’s instant gratification. We need tools that not only teach media literacy but also encourage active, critical engagement with content.

@Grayson
Absolutely, fostering active engagement and critical thinking is crucial. Are there specific types of activities or features you think could effectively encourage this kind of deeper engagement?

Teaching how media is funded and the impact of algorithms on content exposure is crucial. Any tool that can simulate or visualize these influences would be incredibly beneficial.

ThomasMoore said:
Teaching how media is funded and the impact of algorithms on content exposure is crucial. Any tool that can simulate or visualize these influences would be incredibly beneficial.

That’s a great point. Visualizing the impact of algorithms could really demystify how decisions are made about what content to show. Thanks for this insight!

It’s a misconception that most media literacy curricula are outdated. Many include internet-based content. However, the challenge remains in how these lessons are applied practically, especially against sophisticated algorithms.

@Mitchelle
While many curricula are indeed modernizing, there’s still a gap in addressing the specific challenges posed by today’s algorithm-driven platforms. Our goal is to develop resources that are not only theoretical but also practical and applicable in everyday digital interactions.