Online safety workshop for Cyber Month and Media Literacy Week 2024 
Monday, October 21 — 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET 
Virtual Zoom Events 
Hosted by Get Cyber Safe and MediaSmarts. 

Get Cyber Safe and MediaSmarts, in line with Cyber Security Awareness Month and Media Literacy Week 2024, invite Canadians of all ages to two free virtual workshops to help you stay safe online. 

Monday, October 21 — 11:30 am - 2:00 pm ET 
Sherwood Branch – 467 Upper Ottawa St, Hamilton, ON L8T 3T3
Hosted by Hamilton Public Library

Bring your phone, tablet or laptop computer and your technology questions to this drop-in program. Get help with email, learn how to download eBooks and more.

Monday, October 21 — 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET 
Barton Branch – 571 Barton S E, Hamilton, ON L8L 2Z4

Hosted by Hamilton Public Library

Bring your phone, tablet or laptop computer and your technology questions to this drop-in program. Get help with email, learn how to download eBooks and more.

Monday, October 21 — 2:30 - 3:30 pm ET 
Kenilworth Branch – 103 Kenilworth Ave N, Hamilton, ON L8H 4R6

Hosted by Hamilton Public Library

Bring your phone, tablet or laptop computer and your technology questions to this drop-in program. Get help with email, learn how to download eBooks and more.

Monday, October 21 — 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET 
Alvinston Library – 3251 River St, Alvinston, Ontario, N0N 1A0

Hosted by Lambton County Library

Embark on a journey into the world of artificial intelligence with our beginner-friendly program. Join us for an engaging hour-long presentation where you'll unravel the mysteries of A.I. in a fun and accessible manner. From understanding the basics to exploring real-world applications, this session is your perfect introduction to the fascinating world of A.I.!

Monday, October 21 — 3:30 - 4:30 pm ET 
Terryberry Branch – 100 Mohawk Rd W, Hamilton, ON L9C 1W1

Hosted by Hamilton Public Library

Bring your tech questions about tablets, iPads, eReaders, computers and smartphones  and get one-on-one help from teen tech volunteers.

Monday, October 21 — 5:00 - 5:45 pm ET 
Virtual Teams Event

Hosted by Calgary Public Library

The internet has become an incredible tool for connecting with others, whether through social media and video games. However, it’s important to be careful, we might find ourselves in trouble! Grades 5-9 can learn how social media and online activities can affect their mental well-being, and discover tips for staying safe online!

Monday, October 21 — 7:00 - 8:00 pm ET 
Virtual Event

Hosted by Charles Davis and Emily Shulman, respectively professor and graduate student at Toronto Metropolitan University

Going beyond preventing harms, positive media literacy aims to help empower people to use media to foster wellbeing. Designed for middle school educators and parents, this free webinar explores research into how media literacy education can leverage character strengths and virtues - the positive traits individuals possess which are reflected in their thoughts, feelings, and actions - to help early adolescents thrive. The session includes a demonstration of character-based syllabi currently in development for inclusion in a middle school media literacy curriculum.

Tuesday, October 22 — 9:30 - 11:00 am ET 
Central Library – 55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8N 4E4

Hosted by Hamilton Public Library

Learn the skills needed to navigate today's digital world with confidence. Gain basic and advanced computer skills to try a new hobby or stay connected to friends and family and learn how to stay safe online and prevent abuse. 

 

Presented by Mishka SocialServices.

 

 

 

Tuesday, October 22 — 1:00 - 1:30 pm ET 
Virtual Event

Presented by Global Student Chat

#GlobalStudentChat is a monthly student-led chat that connects K-12 students around the world and across social media channels to discuss topics related to character education, social justice, and citizenship. This October, the chat will feature Matthew Johnson, Director of Education at MediaSmarts, as an expert panelist during Media Literacy Week.

Tuesday, October 22 — 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET 
274 Queen St., Paisley, Ontario, N0G 2N0

Hosted by Bruce County Public Library

Library staff lead you through this workshop where you learn to determine fact from fiction online. Registration required.

Tuesday, October 22 — 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET 
Petrolia Library – 4200 Petrolia Line, Petrolia, ON, N0N 1R0

Hosted by Lambton County Library

Embark on a journey into the world of artificial intelligence with our beginner-friendly program. Join us for an engaging hour-long presentation where you'll unravel the mysteries of A.I. in a fun and accessible manner. From understanding the basics to exploring real-world applications, this session is your perfect introduction to the fascinating world of A.I.!

Tuesday, October 22 — 2:00 - 4:00 pm AT 
Meteghan (Clare) Senator Ambroise H. Comeau Memorial Library

Hosted by Western Counties Regional Library

This Media Literacy Week, learn how to avoid scams, viruses, and misinformation in the one-hour presentation. Afterwards, there will be one hour for specific tech help or questions. Bring your devices (smartphone, tablet, laptop). Register no later than Friday, October 18th!

Tuesday, October 22 — 3:00 - 4:00 pm ET 
Bright's Grove Library –  2618 Hamilton Road, PO Box 339, Bright's Grove, ON, N0N 1C0

Hosted by Lambton County Library

Digital Citizenship. Media Literacy. Digital Etiquette. Have you been confused or unsure about what these tech buzzwords mean? Visit the Bright's Grove Library and join us on a journey to demystify these terms! Learn about what it means to be a responsible digital citizen, and what it means to exist online in this increasingly tech-saturated culture. 

Tuesday, October 22 — 4:00 - 5:00 pm ET 
Dundas Branch – 18 Ogilvie Street Dundas, ON, L9H 2S2

Hosted by Hamilton Public Library

Bloxels gameboard and blocks are provided on site. No previous knowledge required.

Tuesday, October 22 — 4:00 - 5:00 pm ET 
Virtual Zoom Event

Hosted by Fraser Valley Regional Library

It’s vital that young people can evaluate what they see online. Joyce Grant uses real-life examples and powerful strategies to help kids spot fake news and understand how credible journalism is created.  She will discuss being a journalist,  how journalists gather facts to create articles and play “POST or PASS?” a fun, interactive game she developed to help students (and adults!) learn how to spot fake news.

Tuesday, October 22 — 7:00 pm ET 
Virtual Zoom Event

Presented by MediaSmarts

This free workshop equips educators with strategies to enhance critical thinking skills across all grades, focusing on combating online misinformation and hate. Discover effective teaching methods and practical shortcuts to foster deeper analysis in your students. Don’t miss this chance to empower your classroom! 

 

Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education.

Wednesday, October 23 — All Day
458 Fairall Street, Unit 4 Ajax, ON L1S 1R6

Organized by Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) 

Drop by the Newcomer Computer Training Program on Wednesday October 23rd during the day to learn about Cyber Security Awareness Month, and Media Literacy Week. The event will have plenty of information on online safety, cyber-bullying, etc. for newcomers, and engaging aspects such as media safety games, VR headset trials, refreshments, and more!

Wednesday, October 23 — 11:00 am - 12:00 pm ET 
Virtual Zoom Event

Presented by The Internet, Technology, and Digital Sociology Cluster of the Canadian Sociological Association (ITDS)

For those foregrounding the role of digital communications technology in mediating interaction, especially conflict and harm, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) can not be underestimated. From ‘deep fake’ images and image based sexual abuse (Okolie, 2023), to new forms of “crime with AI” (Hayward and Maas, 2021), the significance of this emerging area – from the recency of these publications alone – is evident. 

 

This panel invites those engaging in research on AI (from graduate students, early career to established scholars) to reflect on their experiences, including the opportunities and challenges related to epistemological, theoretical and/or methodological issues.

Wednesday, October 23 — 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET 
Virtual Event

Presented by The Canadian Journalism Foundation

Public editors, news ombudsmen and standard editors are on the frontlines of understanding and responding to public misinformation about the media. For Media Literacy Week, a week to promote public understanding of journalism and media, a panel of frontline journalists working in these unique public roles in Canada and the UK will explore the most ubiquitous misconceptions about journalists, journalism and the media.

Wednesday, October 23 — 2:00 - 4:00 pm ET 
Virtual Event

Hosted on r/toronto

Ask MediaSmarts' Director of Education Matthew Johnson about anything related to digital media literacy - in particular, the house hippo!  

Wednesday, October 23 — 3:30 - 5:00 pm ET 
Central Library (Children's Living Room) – 85 Queen St N  Kitchener Ontario 

Hosted by Kitchener Public Library

A pesky house hippo is on the loose in the Children’s Department at the Central Library to help kids learn to think critically about the media they consume. Find the house hippo and complete our scavenger hunt handout to take home a 3D printed house hippo of your own!

Wednesday, October 23 — 4:00 - 5:00 pm ET 
Saltfleet Branch – 131 Grays Rd, Stoney Creek, ON L8G 3V3

Hosted by Hamilton Public Library

Bring your tech questions about tablets, iPads, eReaders, computers and smartphones  and get one-on-one help from teen tech volunteers.

Wednesday, October 23 — 4:00 - 5:00 pm ET 
Watford Library –  5317 Nauvoo Road, Watford, ON, N0M 2S0

Hosted by Lambton County Library

Most of us are connected online in some way - through emails, social media, work, or simply browsing the web. Come to this interactive workshop to learn more about digital footprints and the ways in which your personal footprint is formed - What does it mean to 'accept cookies'? Do you really need location settings on for all your apps? Is that Instagram story completely gone after 24 hours? This workshop will encourage you to become a more mindful internet user and present you with tools to keep you informed about our digital landscape - knowledge is power!

Wednesday, October 23 — 6:00 - 7:00 pm ET 
Sarnia Library –  124 Christina Street South, Sarnia, ON, N7T 8E1

Hosted by Lambton County Library

In today’s age of mass accessible information, information overload and fake news, becoming a confident fact-checker and informed digital citizen is more important than ever. Learn about information literacy: what is it and why it is important. We will discuss tips and tricks to spot misinformation and misleading ‘buzzworthy’ media headlines. By discussing real-life examples, we can determine how to spot fake news and distinguish fact from fiction.

Wednesday, October 23 — 5:00 - 6:00 pm ET 
Waterdown Branch – 163 Dundas St E, Waterdown, ON L8N 2Z7

Hosted by Hamilton Public Library

Bring your tech questions about tablets, iPads, eReaders, computers and smartphones  and get one-on-one help from teen tech volunteers.

Wednesday, October 23 — 5:30 - 7:00 pm ET 
Dundas Branch – 18 Ogilvie St, Dundas, ON L9H 2S2

Hosted by Hamilton Public Library

Bring your phone, tablet or laptop computer and your technology questions to this drop-  in program. Get help with email, learn how to download eBooks and more.

Wednesday, October 23 — 6:00 - 7:00 pm ET 
Central Library – 55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8N 4E4

Hosted by Hamilton Public Library

An introduction to the basics of a computer including using the mouse and keyboard.  Ideal for new computer users. No previous experience required.

Wednesday, October 23 — 6:30 - 7:30 pm ET 
Virtual Zoom Event

Hosted by Ajax Public Library, in partnership with MediaSmarts

Although you may sometimes feel out of your depth when it comes to technology, as a parent you have an important role to play in helping your kids safely navigate the online spaces and activities they enjoy. This workshop will offer tips and strategies for everything from managing screen time, to cyberbullying and online drama, to setting household rules about media use. 

Wednesday, October 23 — 7:00 - 9:00 pm ET 
The Mill Pond Tap and Grill – 2008 Dorchester Rd, Dorchester, ON N0L 1G2

Hosted by Middlesex County Library

Join The Mill Pond Tap & Grill for a fun night of trivia. Lots of great prizes to be won! Registration is preferred but not required.

Thursday, October 24 — 10:00 - 11:00 am ET 
Concession Branch – 565 Concession St, Hamilton, ON L8V 1A8

Hosted by Hamilton Public Library

Learn basic graphic design using the web-based tool, Canva. Create eye-catching posters, social media posts and more. Participants must have a working email address and be familiar with using a computer.

Thursday, October 24 — 10:30 am - 12:00 pm ET 
601 Reid Ave, Fort Frances, ON P9A 0A2

Hosted by Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre

Four quick, easy steps to spot misinformation and find out if something online is true or not. Learn more through this 60-minute presentation. Designed for a general audience ages 11 and up. Registration is not required.

Thursday, October 24 — 12:00 pm ET 
Virtual Event

Hosted by YouthSpeak

Join YouthSpeak on Instagram LIVE as they discuss Parasocial Relationships, a well known aspect of media literacy, with MediaSmarts.

Thursday, October 24 — 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET 
Central Library – 55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8N 4E4

Hosted by Hamilton Public Library

An introduction to maximizing your privacy and security on the internet, starting with private windows and identifying secure websites.

Thursday, October 24 — 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET 
Binbrook Branch – 2641 Regional Road 56, Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0

Hosted by Hamilton Public Library

Learn some of the fundamentals and best practices of web design and start creating your website. No previous knowledge is required.

Thursday, October 24 — 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET 
Virtual Teams Event

Hosted by Calgary Public Library

Join CBC Calgary for a behind-the-scenes look inside one of the most modern broadcast centres in Canada. Angela Knight will take you on a virtual tour of the CBC Calgary station, where radio, TV, and digital news are produced daily. The session will be hosted by CBC’s Angela Knight and Elise Stolte. Come with questions for this live virtual event and learn how local stories are covered at CBC Calgary. 

Thursday, October 24— 3:30 - 4:30 pm ET 
Red Hill Branch – 695 Queenston Rd, Hamilton, ON L8G 1A1

Hosted by Hamilton Public Library

Bring your tech questions about tablets, iPads, eReaders, computers and smartphones  and get one-on-one help from teen tech volunteers.

Thursday, October 24— 3:30 - 4:30 pm ET 
Central Library – 55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8N 4E4

Hosted by Hamilton Public Library

Bring your tech questions about tablets, iPads, eReaders, computers and smartphones  and get one-on-one help from teen tech volunteers.

Thursday, October 24 — 4:00 - 5:00 pm ET 
Forest Library – 61 King Street West, Forest, ON, N0P 1J0

Hosted by Labmton County Library

Most of us are connected online in some way - through emails, social media, work, or simply browsing the web. Come to this interactive workshop to learn more about digital footprints and the ways in which your personal footprint is formed - What does it mean to 'accept cookies'? Do you really need location settings on for all your apps? Is that Instagram story completely gone after 24 hours? This workshop will encourage you to become a more mindful internet user and present you with tools to keep you informed about our digital landscape - knowledge is power!

Thursday, October 24 — 7:00 pm ET 
Virtual Zoom Event

Presented by MediaSmarts

Presented by Matthew Johnson, Director of Education at MediaSmarts, this free professional development workshop will prepare teachers to deliver systematic digital media literacy instruction by introducing key concepts, knowledge and skills at developmentally appropriate levels and building upon them in a logical sequence.  

 

This workshop is sponsored by YouTube Canada. 

Friday, October 25 — 10:00 - 11:00 am ET 
Turner Park Branch – 352 Rymal Road E, Hamilton, ON L9B 1C2

Hosted by Hamilton Public Library

Bring your phone, tablet or laptop computer and your technology questions to this drop- in program. Get help with email, learn how to download eBooks and more.

Friday, October 25 — 6:00 - 7:30 pm ET 
Sarnia Library Theatre – 124 Christina Street South, Sarnia, Ontario, N7T 8E1

Hosted by Labmton County Library

Joel Armstrong, Director of Artificial Intelligence at Dig Insights, a market research firm in Toronto, will be presenting on the history, concerns, and future trends of generative A.I. tools. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. Submit a question for the Q&A!

Saturday, October 26 — 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET 
Central Library – 55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8N 4E4

Hosted by Hamilton Public Library

Join the Hamilton Public Library for an informative session where audiences will learn four quick and easy steps to spot misinformation and find out if something online is true or not. 

Sunday, October 27 — 3:45 - 4:45 pm MT 
10005 102 St, Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 2C5

Hosted by Fort Saskatchewan Public Library

Join the Fort Saskatchewan Public Library for an informative session where audiences will learn four quick and easy steps to spot misinformation and find out if something online is true or not. 

Tuesday, October 29 — 6:30 - 7:30 pm ET 
Angus Glen Branch – 3990 Major Mackenzie Drive East Markham Ontario L6C 1P8

Hosted by Markham Public Library

Discover the power of the Glowforge laser engraver at the Markham Public Library! Join the Angus Glen Branch for a live demonstration where you'll see how digital designs transform into beautiful, custom creations. 

Wednesday, November 13 — 6:30 - 7:30 pm ET 
Virtual Zoom Event

Presented by the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB)

Screen time is one of the top tech-related concerns among parents and caregivers. Kids are worried about their screen time as well – almost half say they spend too much time on their phones. Technology is ever-present in our daily lives, so how can families find healthier ways to use it?  

 

Parents and caregivers are invited to join us for a virtual session with Matthew Johnson, the director of education for MediaSmarts. In this session, you will learn how to create better habits around tech that will empower youth to be in control, rather than their apps and devices.