How do you teach responsible media use in K-12 literacy?

1 Define media literacy

Start by explaining what media literacy is and why it is important. You can use examples of different types of media, such as newspapers, magazines, books, websites, social media, podcasts, videos, games, and advertisements. You can also discuss the purpose, audience, message, and techniques of each media form. You can ask your students to reflect on how they use media in their daily lives, what they learn from it, and how it affects their opinions and emotions.

2 Evaluate media sources

One of the key skills of media literacy is to be able to assess the credibility, accuracy, and bias of media sources. You can teach your students how to use the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose) to evaluate media sources. You can also show them how to check for facts, evidence, sources, and corroboration. You can use examples of fake news, misinformation, propaganda, and satire to illustrate the dangers of uncritical media consumption and the importance of media ethics.

3 Create media products

Another way to teach responsible media use is to engage your students in creating their own media products. This can help them develop their creativity, communication, and collaboration skills, as well as their understanding of media conventions and genres. You can assign your students projects such as writing a blog post, making a podcast, producing a video, designing a game, or creating a poster. You can also encourage them to use digital tools and platforms that allow them to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and teachers.

4 Analyze media representations

Media literacy also involves recognizing how media represents different groups, issues, and perspectives. You can teach your students how to analyze media representations using concepts such as stereotypes, diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice. You can also help them explore how media shapes their identity, values, and worldview. You can use examples of media that portray various cultures, races, genders, ages, abilities, and orientations. You can also ask your students to compare and contrast different media representations and reflect on their own experiences and opinions.

5 Promote digital citizenship

Responsible media use also requires being a good digital citizen. You can teach your students how to be respectful, responsible, and safe online. You can discuss topics such as cyberbullying, privacy, security, plagiarism, and copyright. You can also teach them how to communicate effectively, constructively, and ethically online. You can use scenarios, role plays, simulations, or games to practice digital citizenship skills. You can also model and reinforce positive online behavior and etiquette.

6 Encourage media literacy habits

Finally, you can teach responsible media use by encouraging your students to develop media literacy habits. You can suggest them to ask questions, do research, seek multiple perspectives, challenge assumptions, and share opinions when they encounter media. You can also encourage them to be selective, mindful, and balanced in their media consumption and creation. You can also help them find reliable and relevant media sources and resources for their learning and interests.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?