Events & Activities
Check out some of the amazing events that took place during Media Literacy Week 2023!
Planning an event for MLW 2024? Let us know at mlw@mediasmarts.ca
October 23rd, 2023
Virtual Media Literacy Storytime
Monday October 23rd — 9:30 - 10:00 am ET
Virtual event
Hosted by Guelph Public Library
Click here to register
Join Guelph Public Library for a virtual Storytime in celebration of Canada's 18th Media Literacy Week. These engaging stories are suitable for preschool and primary-grade children. To participate, register to watch the Storytime any day this week.
Live Online KLC: Creating & Coding in CoSpaces (9-12+Guardian)(2hrs)
Monday October 23rd — 4:30 - 6:30 pm ET
Virtual event
Hosted by Canada Learning Code
Click here to register
Virtual reality (VR) provides immersive storytelling and gaming opportunities, and is a new medium for creativity and self-expression. VR has become increasingly accessible through tools like WebVR, where users can develop, experience, and share VR projects on their computers and phones.
In this workshop, we’ll use CoSpaces to build our own 3D creations, animate them with code (using block-based coding), and explore them in Virtual or Augmented Reality. Learners will practice testing and debugging, and create a virtual space that they can share with family and friends! Projects will also be learner-driven, giving learners the space to leverage VR as a tool for positive change, to tackle an issue that is important to them.
Learners must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the full duration of the workshop!
October 24th, 2023
Global Student Chat October 2023: #MediaLitWk with MediaSmarts
Tuesday October 24th — 1:00 - 1:30 pm EST
Virtual event
Hosted by Global Student Chat
Learn more
This global chat, conducted in partnership with MediaSmarts, invites grade 9 classes from Ontario and around the world to engage in lively discussions. The event covers topics relevant to students' interests, learning, and global perspectives.
Participants can explore past discussions on the organization's website and are encouraged to suggest topics for the upcoming school year by completing a Google form.
Watch live on YouTube
Fun with Arts and Crafts: Movie Trailers – In Person Event
Tuesday October 24th — 2:30 - 3:30 pm AST
McKay Memorial Library (Shelburne), P.O. Box 158, 17 Glasgow Street Shelburne, NS
Hosted by Western Counties Regional Library
Click here to register
Children aged 6 to 11 can plan and film a movie trailer using the iMovie app on the library iPads. Register no later than Friday, October 20, by contacting the library.
Establishing Support and Well-Being for Researchers Working Online – Online Panel Discussion
Tuesday October 24th — 3:00 - 4:30 pm EST
Virtual event
Hosted by MediaSmarts
Click here to register
Join MediaSmarts for a Media Literacy Week event exploring challenges and opportunities in online research. Expert panelists from various universities, including Dr. Javed Mostafa, Dr. Stuart Poyntz, Dr. Kaitlynn Mendes, and Dr. Mohana Mukherjee, will discuss key challenges and share insights into supporting researchers. This event aims to broaden the conversation across academia.
Discover Online Safety Workshop
Tuesday October 24th — 2:00 - 3:30 pm ET
Virtual event
Hosted by Get Cyber Safe and MediaSmarts
Click here to register
In line with Cyber Security Awareness Month and Media Literacy Week 2023, we invite older adults to Discover Online Safety.
This workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to create strong passwords, download apps safely, and will help you avoid online scams.
This free, bilingual and virtual event (held via Zoom) is open to Canadians of all ages and of all technical knowledge levels, but is particularly geared to adults over the age of 50.
Break the Fake: Spotting Fake News
Tuesday October 24th — 2:00 - 3:00 pm MT
In-person event
Airdrie Public Library, 111 - 304 Main Street SE, Airdrie, AB (Program Room)
Hosted by Airdrie Public Library
Click here to register
Take part in Media Literacy Week with the Break the Fake: How to tell what’s true online workshop.
It will teach audiences four quick, easy steps they can take to spot misinformation and find out if something online is true or not.
Break the Fake: what is real information or fake news?
Monday October 24th — 6:00 - 7:00 pm EST
Virtual event
Hosted by Ottawa Public Library
Click here to register
How do you distinguish real information from fake news? In this workshop, Marc-Alexandre Ladouceur from MediaSmarts will teach four quick, easy steps you can take to spot misinformation and find out if something online is true or not!
Digital Media Creators
Monday October 24th — 6:30 - 8:00 pm EST
In-person event
Hosted by Kitchener Public Library
Click here to register
Discover fun digital media projects you can do at home! Learn how to code, explore augmented reality, edit photos, create CAD models, and more! No experience necessary.
This series runs on Tuesdays from October 24 to November 28.
October 25th, 2023
Break the Fake: how to tell what's true online
Wednesday October 25th — 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Mountain Time
Virtual event
Hosted by University of Calgary
Click here to register
As part of Media Literacy Week, this “Break the Fake: How to Tell What's True Online” workshop will teach participants four quick, easy steps they can take to spot misinformation and find out if something online is true or not. By the end of this interactive session, you'll be armed with the tools you need to confidently navigate the digital world, distinguish misinformation, and ensure the accuracy of online information. Participants are also encouraged to visit the Building Resilience to Misinformation: An Instructional Toolkit to learn more about engaging with the topic of misinformation.
Knowledge Hub Feature - Moving On: Digital Empowerment and Literacy Skills for Survivors
Wednesday October 25th — 1:00 - 1:30 pm EST
Virtual event
Hosted by Knowledge Hub
Click here to register
An introduction to MediaSmarts' intervention research project titled Moving On: Digital Empowerment and Literacy Skills for Survivors, which aims to adapt, deliver, and evaluate digital media literacy resources for survivors of technology-facilitated violence and abuse (TFVA) and the practitioners in the violence against women (VAW) sector who support them. This presentation covers the project’s trauma-and violence-informed lens, its qualitative methods, key findings, and ongoing development of resources.
How to Spot Misinformation
Wednesday October 25rd — 6:00 - 7:00 pm ET
Hybrid event - In-person or virtual
Main Library (Board Room), 100 Norfolk Street, Guelph ON or online
Hosted by Guelph Public Library
Click here to register
Join Guelph Public Library for an interactive workshop to learn about misinformation, fact-checking tools, and how to verify sources. This workshop is suitable for intermediate grades, teens, and adults.
What does it mean to be a digital citizen?
Wednesday October 25th — 7:00 - 8:00 pm ET
In-person event
Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street), Hinton Learning Theatre (3rd floor)
Hosted by MediaSmarts and Toronto Public Library
Register here
Join the Toronto Public Library, alongside MediaSmarts, on Digital Citizen Day for a thought-provoking panel discussion about the challenges and opportunities we're all facing in the digital age - from managing digital well-being, privacy, and emerging AI to the spread of misinformation and online hate. Moderated by Ramona Pringle, CBC columnist and director of the Creative Innovation Studio at Ryerson University, and featuring:
Jarret Leaman, Founder, Chief Strategy Officer for the Centre for the Indigenous Innovation and Technology (CIIT)
Kathryn Ann Hill, Executive Director of MediaSmarts
Jolin Joseph, Manager of Research, Education and Knowledge Mobilization at YWCA Canada
Arjun Ram, CBC Kids News Contributor
October 26th, 2022
Media Impact Presentation: Youth Gambling Awareness Webinar
Thursday October 26th — 3:00 pm EDT
Virtual event
Hosted by YMCA of Greater Toronto's Youth Gambling Awareness Program (YGAP)
Click here to register
Join the YMCA of Greater Toronto's Youth Gambling Awareness Program (YGAP) Media Impact presentation, a free hour-long session that explores youth exposure to gambling ads during lockdown, the use of Twitch for gambling, and influencer marketing in the gambling industry. Designed for educators, community leaders, parents, and anyone interested in understanding the latest trends in gambling-related social media and advertising and their impact on youth, this webinar also provides practical strategies to enhance youth's critical thinking skills and media safety awareness when analyzing content and ads.
Fact or Fake: Online Fact Checking
Thursday October 26th — 7:00 - 8:00 pm PT
Hybrid event - In-person or virtual
Hosted by North Vancouver City Library
Click here to register
In the age of mass information, information overload and viral fake news, how can you know what you are looking at is real, true and accurate? Join this class to learn about the “web of information”, and how you can untangle that web to become a confident fact checker and trusted digital citizen. We'll discuss the 'gut check', and how fake news targets our emotions. We'll also learn how lateral reading and fact checking works in the online environment.
October 27th, 2023
Live Online TeensLC: Generative Art w/ JavaScript (13-17) (2hrs)
Friday October 23rd — 9:00 - 11:00 am ET
Virtual event
Hosted by Canada Learning Code
Click here to register
This workshop will focus on teaching the fundamentals of computer programming in a visual context, and highlight how simple mathematical equations can create beautiful and engaging outcomes. (You don't need to be a math wizard - Processing does the calculating for us!) We'll use p5.js, which is a processing 'flavour' that builds upon the JavaScript programming language, and is often used in electronic arts, new media art, and visual design. The application itself allows anyone to code in something called a Sketchbook, where programs can be saved and previewed instantly. Learners will use geometrical shapes and lines to create interactivity with their mouse and keyboard, and use colours to create visually intricate designs!
Facing Online Hate Workshop
Friday October 27th — 12:00 pm EST
Virtual event
Hosted by MediaSmarts
Click here to register
Join MediaSmarts for one of four workshops in October and November. Discover how the internet radicalizes youth and what you can do to combat it. The workshop covers recognizing online hate and empowering educators to respond effectively. It includes a 30-minute Q&A session.
More
Unpacking the Black Box: Explaining Algorithms and AI
Webinar on demand
Hosted by Fraser Valley Regional Library
Click here to watch
Learn how algorithms work, how they use your personal information and how to take back control of your online identity and experience. This free webinar is geared toward teens, but the information will be valuable for anyone who wants a better understanding of algorithms and AI. Presented in partnership with MediaSmarts.
"Trust Me" Documentary Worldwide Watch Party
October 21st to October 31st
Virtual event
Hosted by Getting Better Foundation
Click here to register
Getting Better Foundation is co-hosting a worldwide virtual “Trust Me” Documentary watch party during UNESCO’s Global Media and Information Literacy Week. “Trust Me” explores manipulation and misinformation at the intersection of human nature and information technology. It explains how that drives a need for media literacy. Expert interviews point the way toward a positive future. Join the UNESCO Global Watch Party Oct. 21-31, 2023.
An Introduction to Digital Media Literacy and Sexual Health
October 30th to November 19th
Virtual event
Hosted by the Alberta Society for the Promotion of Sexual Health
Click here to register
This workshop will dive into digital media literacy from a sexual health perspective, discuss developing your digital media “inner critic” to avoid misinformation, and review ways digital and social media can be harnessed to support sexual and reproductive health education.
The Frayme 2023 Knowledge Series: Wellness in a Wired World
November 2nd — 1:10 - 2:10 pm EST
Virtual event
Hosted by Frayme
Learn more
A two-day virtual event gathering over 200 attendees to unite, share knowledge, and collaborate on policy recommendations for the youth mental health and substance use sector. This year's focus is on the impact of the digital world on young people, covering topics such as virtual care, algorithms, online safety, media literacy, and more.