You know that feeling when your students casually drop, “Oh yeah, I ran that prompt through ChatGPT already” before class even begins? It’s like AI is no longer a guest in the classroom, it’s already part of the furniture. In moments like that, it’s tempting to throw up your hands and scramble for brand-new theories. But recently I’ve been turning back to Marshall McLuhan, and … [Read more...] about Why I Keep McLuhan Alive in the Classroom
Education
Knowledge: A Conversation with Steve Connolly (Part One)
In his recent book, Knowledge and Knowing in Media and Film Studies, Associate Professor Steve Connolly examines the nature of knowledge in curricular Media and Film Studies, tracing the nascent subjects’ genealogies. Knowledge, much like the subjects it appraises, effectively bridges the theoretical and the practical. Connolly offers a complex analysis of epistemology within … [Read more...] about Knowledge: A Conversation with Steve Connolly (Part One)
Teens consuming disturbing news on media and the role of school
Introduction Teenagers today consume a lot of news about global challenges, ranging from climate change to social justice. Just one decade ago, families could filter news from the outside world, but now minors can access anything on their mobile phones without adult guidance. Despite restrictions regarding age and consent, online channels offer both information and … [Read more...] about Teens consuming disturbing news on media and the role of school
Navigating the Digital Era: Media Literacy in the Age of AI
In today’s media landscape, media literacy has become a crucial skill for navigating the waves of information bombarding us from all directions. The fast progress of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have raised the need of understanding how AI shapes and influences the media we consume. AI algorithms control how we experience much of the media we consume … [Read more...] about Navigating the Digital Era: Media Literacy in the Age of AI
Artificial Intelligence in Education: A Media Education Approach
**Reprinted with author's permission** For further writing on media education and related issues, see David Buckingham's website: www.davidbuckingham.net What are the implications of artificial intelligence for media educators, and for the media themselves? Last weekend, a letter by a group of British headteachers was published in … [Read more...] about Artificial Intelligence in Education: A Media Education Approach
Media Literacy Education Refutes Stereotypes
Historically, the media has been guilty of perpetuating various stereotypes through the images in newspapers, television, and movies. Television in the late 20th century most commonly depicted Black individuals as athletes or, more destructively, criminals. During the same period, very few women were in roles reflecting them as individuals in power or heroic roles. … [Read more...] about Media Literacy Education Refutes Stereotypes
Machine Learning, But Are Classes Learning?
An original version of this article was published in MxMIndia, a media news and opinion portal from Mumbai, India. My big takeaway from 2022 is that social media and pandemic have launched a joint and effective assault on classroom learning. When I look at some social media content from younger folks, I see so much creativity and social awareness, sensitivity and … [Read more...] about Machine Learning, But Are Classes Learning?
“Producing Peace”: The Possibilities and Limits of Using Media Literacy to Foster Student Agency
Abstract Media literacy is a powerful tool for fostering citizenship skills in youth. Yet, while research and some exemplary model citizens demonstrate its ability to provide students tools to engage with media productively in order to participate in civic conversions, not enough media literacy focuses on how students develop a strong personal message and authentic … [Read more...] about “Producing Peace”: The Possibilities and Limits of Using Media Literacy to Foster Student Agency
Reimagining Critical Literacy in the Age of the Algorithm
Abstract Algorithms are playing an ever-increasing role in the way that we understand and interact with our world. This paper provides an overview of Artificial Intelligence technologies, explores the promise of algorithms as well as the issues and considers the implications of algorithms on education and literacy practices. Keywords Algorithms, Literacy, AI, Artificial … [Read more...] about Reimagining Critical Literacy in the Age of the Algorithm
Social Media and Its Effects on the Classroom
There is no denying that our social media and networks have transformed the landscape of our entire lives. It is what we live and breathe for every day. They disrupt our sleep schedules, decision-making process, and most importantly our learning and growing development. As a future teacher myself, I am beginning to see the shift in children as young as six and … [Read more...] about Social Media and Its Effects on the Classroom
