Alberta
This section comprises a curricular overview, as well as information about professional development for media education.
This section comprises a curricular overview, as well as information about professional development for media education.
Alberta’s Aboriginal Studies curriculum “is intended to provide a conceptual framework for all learners to enhance understanding of the diverse Aboriginal cultures within their region, Canada and the world.” (Aboriginal Studies 10-20-30).
Media Education in the English Language Arts Curriculum, Grades 10-12
Media outcomes are integrated throughout the English Language Arts 10-12 curriculum. In addition to including media texts as part of listening and speaking, reading and writing, and viewing and representing outcomes, the curriculum broadens and more clearly defines text and context to reflect media culture.
The following excerpts from English Language Arts (Senior High) (2001) details this broadened definition:
Broadening the Definition of “Text”
The social studies program in Alberta contains expectations that complement the critical thinking approach of media education. The Alberta social studies curriculum states,
In our changing society, students will need to be practised at using a variety of skills and strategies. Students will need to be able to acquire knowledge, to interpret and communicate information, and to solve problems and make decisions. In doing all of this, students require a wide range of critical and creative thinking skills and strategies that they can apply to a variety of situations.
Many curricular expectations in Alberta Social Sciences courses relate to media and digital literacy. The role of the Social Sciences courses in the Alberta curriculum is described as follows on the Alberta Education Social Sciences page:
This section comprises a curricular overview, as well as curriculum charts for Grades K-12 that feature media education outcomes in the Manitoba curriculum, with links to supporting MediaSmarts resources and lessons.
The 2023 Science K-6 curriculum states that “the study of science allows students to nurture curiosity, ask and answer questions, explore scientific and technological concepts, and acquire knowledge and understanding of the world. Science provides a reliable basis for decision making and is essential in developing innovative ideas and solutions.
In the 2022 Elementary Physical Education and Wellness curriculum, digital media literacy is represented in several categories of knowledge, skills and procedures and understandings. Students learn about growth and development, safety, nutrition, mental health, healthy relationships and financial literacy.
Many curricular expectations in Alberta Fine Arts courses relate to digital media literacy. The following excerpts from are Fine Arts curriculum document on the LearnAlberta website:
According to the 2023 Elementary English Language Arts and Literature curriculum, “language is a uniquely structured system that forms the basis for thinking, communicating, and learning.” The curriculum is built around the six strands of language learning: reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing, and representing, with each strand touching on aspects of digital media literacy.