Abstract The emergence of misinformation and disinformation have led to a mistrust of information in general, from politics to science to pop culture. Mistrust often gives way to apathy, creating a lack of desire to even distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information. A study of student surveys across multiple semesters and courses supports the notion that … [Read more...] about Building Civic Competencies: Design and Outcomes in Media Literacy and Critical Thinking Instruction
Critical Thinking
How can we teach curiosity for successful media literacy?
Abstract Curiosity is not only fundamental to media literacy but also a characteristic that can be taught and nurtured. Through a series of carefully developed practical exercises with theoretical underpinnings, this study reports that educators can cultivate curiosity in their students, empowering them to become engaged global citizens and critical thinkers. This paper … [Read more...] about How can we teach curiosity for successful media literacy?
We’re all in this together: Approaching media literacy from a holistic point of view
Abstract Recognizing the need to approach media literacy education from a lifelong and holistic point of view, an academic librarian and a K12 teacher reflect on their teaching journeys both individually and in partnership, sharing their pedagogical approaches to teaching media literacy skills in both K12 and higher education environments. The authors discuss how they’ve … [Read more...] about We’re all in this together: Approaching media literacy from a holistic point of view
An honest tale speeds best, being plainly told (Richard III, Act 4 Scene 4): Media Literacy and the Role of the School Library
Abstract The proliferation of digital media has created a new challenge for educators: how to effectively teach students to be critical consumers and producers of information. This literature review methodically explores the role of school libraries in media literacy education, with a particular focus on the United Kingdom. An analysis of the modern definitions of media … [Read more...] about An honest tale speeds best, being plainly told (Richard III, Act 4 Scene 4): Media Literacy and the Role of the School Library
Using Design Fiction to Develop Pupils’ Critical Inquiry Competence
Abstract This article presents a critical inquiry method based on the practice of design fiction. Design fiction is a speculative design practice that consists in imagining and prototyping fictional technologies. The critical inquiry method takes the form of an educational program divided into several stages of design, analysis and discussion. Based on inquiry-based learning … [Read more...] about Using Design Fiction to Develop Pupils’ Critical Inquiry Competence
Facebook’s Metaverse, Virtual Reality, and Bertolt Brecht
On October 28, 2021, CEO and founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, first announced the corporation’s rebrand. The social media company would now be called Meta, and Meta would henceforth focus on a new platform: the metaverse. The term metaverse is an amalgam of the Greek prefix meta, meaning beyond or transcending, and -verse, short for universe (López-Díez). The metaverse … [Read more...] about Facebook’s Metaverse, Virtual Reality, and Bertolt Brecht
Lil Nas X
About a month or so ago, I got into a vehement argument with a good friend of mine. Our passionate conversation escalated quickly, and it reached a newfound intensity for most of our debates. And yet, the debate emerged from a very casual, unassuming subject: a music video. We discussed Rapper and Popstar Lil Nas X’s “MONTERO (Call me by your name)” music video. In part, I … [Read more...] about Lil Nas X
