Blog: Teaching Media Fluency

The purpose of media fluency is being able to communicate in an appropriate manner through the use of effective technology resources. As a result, it is the responsibility of educators to model and teach best practices that allow students to navigate through various social media applications with the ability to detect misinformation. According to Crockett (2020)"to be effective communicators we must be able to identify and leverage the most appropriate media."As a 21st century learner, students are exposed to digital content both inside and outside of the classroom where they are expected to participate in online discussions, analyze online research articles, and be innovators through technology websites and applications. Prothero (2022) describes the impact of media literacy by stating, "Media literacy is not just about learning how to spot fake news on social media, it is about having the skills to access information, analyze and evaluate it, create content, and act on it using all forms of communication" (para. 4). 

Unfortunately, there is a lot of bad content on the internet which can consist of conspiracy theories, disinformation and extremist propaganda. However, there is a lot of useful content and information that students should be able to access such as historical information, research, and educational websites that foster creativity. Therefore, K-12 classrooms need to include media fluency into their curriculum in order to have open conversations about appropriate use and examples of misuse and how it can impact others and their individual future. The utilization of digital technology is becoming a part of daily life and functioning within the classroom and many career paths. Ketchell (2023) recognizes the impact of media literacy by stating, "The students of tomorrow will undoubtedly grow up in a web that will be radically different from this one, but no matter the tech, their ability to think critically will lead them to understand, question, and challenge" (para. 17).  As technology continues to improve and expand, school districts are responsible for keeping up with the demands of society in order to prepare students to lead successful lives when they leave the K-12 classroom which requires the implementation of media fluency. 

References

Crockett, L. (2020). Media Fluency. Future Focused Learning Global Digital Citizen Foundation. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/myYUGyAjqII

Ketchell, J. (2023). Why Teaching Media Literacy is Essential. Edutopia. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/article/media-literacy-high-school/

Prothero, A. (2022) Media Literacy in Schools: 7 Ways the Subject Has Evolved. Retrieved from https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/media-literacy-in-schools-7-ways-the-subject-has-evolved/2022/12


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