News and media literacy begins with the basic skills and strategies that students need to think critically about the news, images, and videos they see online. In our world, we are constantly bombarded with new information, and there is no greater power than the ability to filter, discern, and use that information. Thinking critically means knowing where the news comes from, what purpose it serves, and how reliable it is. Some of the key elements of learning how to think critically are:
Let's cite the source.
With so much information at their fingertips, help students learn what it means to “give credit” when using content they find online. By taking on the role of a detective, students will learn why it is important to give credit and the appropriate ways to do so when using words, images, or ideas that belong to others.
Is it believing by seeing?
The web is full of photos, and even videos, that have been digitally altered. And it's often difficult to tell what's real from what's fake. Help students ask critical questions about why someone might alter a photo or video in the first place.
The rights and responsibilities of a creator
It's common for children to use images they find online for school projects or just for fun. But children often don't understand which images are okay to use and which aren't. Help your students learn about their rights and responsibilities when it comes to the images they create and use.
Reading news online
Children find and read news in many different ways. But studies show that they are not very good at interpreting what they see. How can we help them improve? Teaching students about the structure of online news articles is an important place to start.
You won't believe this!
The Internet is full of catchy headlines and outrageous images, all designed to pique our curiosity and grab our attention. But kids often don't understand: what you click on isn't always what you get. Show students the best ways to avoid clicking online.
Article published in Commonsense.org