Digital Literacy
Media literacy in the 21st century is essential to understanding the world around us. Media constructs our culture which affects our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. In my personal life, I have made the choice to not have a TikTok account. This choice, although small, has impacted my ability to discuss cultural norms and trends with my friends. Oftentimes, my friends will reference a video trend or viral video that I have no knowledge about. To me, this impact is insignificant since I actively use other social media platforms. However, if someone had no social media platforms their cultural knowledge of social media literacy would be lacking. The word "lacking" implies that it is wrong to not have social media accounts. I do not think someone "lacking" digital social literacy is a bad thing, unless they themselves feel they are missing vital information. As humans it is entirely normal to be lacking in certain areas, and thriving in others. Where one individual might not be as up to date on the latest meme, they might be training for a marathon.
Hobbs' Five Competencies
Hobbs belief is that digital media motivates students, therefore, we should use these tools to guide learners today throughout their education journey. In her book she outlines five competencies that can be used across the content areas. Access is the first step in digital literacy. Students need to be able to locate and access the appropriate information. The second step is to use critical thinking to analyze the messages digital literacy pushes. The third step in Hobbs' competencies is to create content and media for themselves. Reflection is the fourth step in the competencies. Students can learn how the impact of media messages influences their thinking and their own identity, ethical principles and communication behavior. Finally, the fifth step is to act. Students in this step connect to the world by engaging in digital media to solve problems at the larger scale.
I think Hobbs' five steps can be applied to K-12 students on a sliding scale. I think the students in younger elementary grades should be focused on learning and experiencing the first step: Access. I think as students get older they can be exposed to the remainder of the steps. I don't think this applies to all students, classrooms, and school communities. However, I think these steps can be applied and differentiated to different grade levels, student needs, and certain learning opportunities. I think by the end of high school all students should experience the final step of action. For example, seniors in high school can use their digital media presences to complete a project for the greater good. Students can use Instagram to plan a food drive in their community. Students can use Twitter to create open dialogues surrounding mental illness in their school. There are endless opportunities for students to create, reflect, and act upon issues that are meaningful to them and their community.
In my opinion the five competencies are related the an idea spoken by Marshall McLuhan. He stated that "the medium is the message." This essentially means that the technology method used to share the message becomes more influential that the message itself. If you are not literate with the technology tool used to communicate, the impact of the message is reduced. I think Hobbs' steps speaks to how deeply knowledgeable you should be with the tools available to us. Many educators would stop at step 1 by allowing the students to access the technology tools and digital platforms. By going above and beyond in their digital literacy education you are ensuring that students are fully literate digitally and not just competent.
Currently, I do not formally teach my first graders for accuracy, reliability, and credibility. I try to intertwine those topics through Social Emotional Learning conversations and the other content areas. Prior to tests, quizzes, and independent work time I remind my students the reason WHY we don't copy our friends work. We discuss how someone's work is their unique thoughts and ideas from their brain. If we copy their work we are stealing their learning from their brain. This type of language works best with younger students.
How do you teach for accuracy, reliability, and credibility?
Brittany, I agree that most of stop at providing access to our students with digital literacy however we can continue the other four steps by analyzing the media we view and acknowledge the character behind the meaning. We can go beyond providing access and actually creating media literacy. Part of this also depends on our students ages but I agree.
ReplyDeleteThe sliding scale concept is fascinating and makes a lot of sense. Teachers are often overwhelmed with the amount of topics they need to cover so scaffolding something like this might help it stick.
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