MediaSmarts has developed four online multimedia textbooks to support the Ontario curriculum for Language 1-8 and English 9. These freely available textbooks are designed to give educators flexibility in meeting both the Overall Expectation relating to Digital Media Literacy (A2) but also related Overall and Specific Expectations in the A, C and D strands, including Critical Thinking in Texts; Creating Drafts; and Publishing, Presenting and Reflecting.
The Close Reading Media Across the Curriculum program provides teachers with a comprehensive approach to fostering critical thinking skills at all grade levels, with particular attention to addressing misinformation, propaganda and hate through teaching students how to apply close reading skills to media.
Kids’ digital habits evolve as they grow and supporting them means understanding what they need at each stage. These four age-specific tip sheets offer practical, research-informed guidance to help families navigate media use from early childhood through the teen years.
Each tip sheet is built around four core digital parenting strategies: Curate what kids see, Control who can access them and their data, Co-view and discuss media together and Coach them as they develop resilience, independence and healthy habits.
MediaSmarts is pleased to offer an online course for teachers on media making in K-12 classrooms. Educators can take this interactive, engaging and informative course from their home, on their own schedule.
Making Media Across the Curriculum will provide teachers with training and resources on how to use digital media production of various kinds (games, film and animation, etc.) in their classroom practice.
Looking for creative ways to integrate digital media literacy activities into your teaching practice? We've developed this calendar of special awareness days for educators to easily pinpoint opportunities to explore a variety of digital media issues while recognizing commemorative events throughout the school year. We've linked each awareness day to a list of free K-12 lesson plans, tip sheets and more teaching resources.