Navigating the Digital World
Empowering the Future: How Media and Information Literacy Helps Children See the World with Clarity
Media and information literacy (MIL) refers to the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create information using various media (Unesco, n.d.). This skill is vital for individuals to navigate the digital world and make informed decisions.
For children in K-12, MIL is critical as they are growing up in a world where technology and the internet are integral parts of their lives. They are constantly exposed to a wide range of information sources, including social media, news, and videos. However, not all of this information is accurate or reliable, and children need to be able to discern what is true and what is not. MIL helps children develop critical thinking skills, which are essential for making sound decisions and for becoming informed and active citizens (Zou’bi, 2021).
One example of MIL for children K-12 is learning how to evaluate the credibility of a website. Have you ever encountered a website whose credibility you were uncertain of? It’s not uncommon to come across such websites in today’s digital landscape. Children with strong MIL skills can look for certain indicators, such as the author’s credentials, the date of publication, and the presence of a privacy policy, to determine whether a website is trustworthy. Children with poor MIL skills might not be able to distinguish the important information from the less important. Another example is learning how to create media, such as videos or podcasts. Children with strong MIL skills will have the tools to express themselves and share their ideas with others through the media, in contrast to children who haven’t acquired these skills yet.
At Morphoses, we use real mystery and fun challenges to expose children to different types of information and media. We also provide them with fundamental tools to enhance their soft skills and reach their goals. Our approach is designed to be interactive and engaging, encouraging children to think critically and creatively.
So, a good example of a Morphoses activity that enhances MIL, is the “Einstein meets Marilyn” activity. In this activity, the tutor presents the team with a range of resources on a topic and asks each learner to choose their preferred source.
In today’s rapidly changing world, where new technologies and information sources are constantly emerging, it is essential to teach children not only what to learn but also how to learn. Our programs are designed to be flexible and adaptable so that children can continue to develop their MIL skills as they grow older and encounter new challenges.
References
Swedish Media Council. (2021). Media and Information Literacy (MIL). Retrieved from https://en.unesco.org/creativity/policy-monitoring-platform/media-information-literacy-mil
Al- Zou’bi, R. (2021). The impact of media and information literacy on acquiring the critical thinking skill by the educational faculty’s students. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S187118712030256X