Media Literacy
Senate Bill 873 is an important legislative measure aimed at strengthening media literacy education in schools across California. This bill recognizes the crucial role of media literacy in helping students navigate the complex media landscape and become informed, critical consumers of information.
Enhancing Media Literacy and Digital Citizenship
Introduction
Senate Bill 873, passed in California, focuses on equipping students with critical skills in media literacy and digital citizenship. This legislation recognizes the increasing importance of these competencies in our digital age and aims to prepare students to navigate and critically engage with media and technology effectively.
What is Media Literacy?
Media literacy is defined as the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and use media in various forms. It encompasses the skills required to understand and critically assess media messages, identify credible sources, recognize media bias, and create responsible media content.
Key Components of Media Literacy:
•Access: Ability to find and use media effectively.
•Analyze: Critical examination of media messages and their intent.
•Evaluate: Assessing the credibility and reliability of media sources.
•Use: Creating and sharing media content responsibly.
What is Digital Citizenship?
Digital citizenship involves a diverse set of skills related to current technology and social media. It includes the norms of appropriate, responsible, and healthy behavior in the digital space. Digital citizenship aims to foster an understanding of the ethical and legal implications of online activities.
Key Components of Digital Citizenship:
•Responsible Use: Understanding the impact of one’s digital footprint.
•Ethical Behavior: Recognizing and practicing ethical conduct online.
•Safety and Privacy: Protecting personal information and maintaining online security.
•Respect and Empathy: Engaging with others respectfully and understanding diverse perspectives.
Why is SB 873 Important?
SB 873 is a response to the growing need for students to be literate in media and proficient in digital citizenship. In an era where misinformation and digital interactions are prevalent, these skills are crucial for students’ academic, professional, and personal lives. The bill emphasizes the importance of integrating media literacy and digital citizenship education into the school curriculum to build a foundation for lifelong learning and responsible digital engagement.
Resources and Implementation
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education offers various resources and programs designed for different grade levels. Educators can access lesson plans, interactive activities, and professional development opportunities to integrate these essential skills into their teaching practices
Educator Resources - Media literacy
Elementary School
1. Common Sense Education: Digital Passport
•Description: Digital Passport is a set of interactive games and activities designed to teach kids about internet safety, privacy, and respectful communication. Each module addresses a different aspect of digital citizenship.
2. BrainPOP: Digital Citizenship
•Description: BrainPOP offers animated videos and quizzes that introduce younger students to concepts of digital citizenship, including online safety, cyberbullying, and digital etiquette.
3. Cyberwise: No Grownup Left Behind
•Description: Cyberwise provides resources for teaching kids about digital literacy and online safety. Their tools and guides are designed to make learning about technology fun and engaging for elementary students.
Middle School
1. Media Smarts: Digital Literacy Programs
•Description: This program offers a range of resources to help middle school students understand digital literacy. The lessons cover a variety of topics, including online privacy, digital health, and critical thinking about media.
2. Common Sense Education: Digital Citizenship Week
•Description: Digital Citizenship Week provides a set of activities and lessons specifically designed for middle school students. The materials focus on responsible online behavior, media balance, and online relationships.
3. NetSmartz: Internet Safety Education
•Description: NetSmartz offers age-appropriate resources that teach students about online safety and digital citizenship. The lessons include videos, presentations, and activities that cover topics like online privacy and cyberbullying.
High School
1. PBS LearningMedia: Media Literacy Collection
•Description: This collection provides high school students with tools to critically analyze media messages. It includes lesson plans, interactive activities, and videos on media influence, bias, and ethics.
2. NewseumED: Media Ethics and Bias
•Description: NewseumED offers comprehensive lesson plans that help students understand the ethical considerations and biases in media. The resources include case studies, primary sources, and interactive activities.
3. ISTE: Digital Citizenship in Education
•Description: The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) provides a framework for digital citizenship that can be integrated into high school curricula. The standards focus on guiding students to be responsible, ethical, and informed digital citizens.