Critical Thinking + Media Literacy = Media Literacy Education

Today's elementary students are exposed to a constant and rapidly-evolving stream of media, including television, movies, radio, game, music, and video streaming applications. While they may receive instruction on how to turn on their device, how to log in to a particular application, and how to use the search bar to find something of interest, it is evident in the classroom that students are not necessarily understanding, evaluating, discussing, questioning, and reframing what they are experiencing through the media. Rather they are scrolling, "like"ing, possibly commenting, and reacting to media in  superficial ways that expose them to misinformation and a limited perspective of the rapidly evolving digital world.

Renee Hobbs (2011) defined Critical Media Literacy (CML) as the ability to recognize the influence of media on society and to take a proactive stance in consuming and producing media. CML comprises 5 key competencies (Hobbs & Cooper-Moore) - the abilities to access, analyze, compose, reflect, and take action.

These competencies are embedded of our current curriculum outcomes. Teaching and learning these skills using media and technology requires commitment, support, and resources on the part of our government. As professionals advocating for successful futures for our students, we must insist that media literacy education be made a priority in Alberta.