The Diversity and Media Toolbox is a comprehensive suite of resources for teachers, students, law enforcement representatives and the general public, that explores issues relating to stereotyping, bias and hate in mainstream media and on the Internet.
Framed around key concepts of media literacy, the That’s Not Me tutorial examines how entertainment and news media represent diversity and the impact these media portrayals can have on the value we place on individuals and groups in society.
Students in the Elementary Block discuss “topics such as diversity, empathy, conflict, and relationships [and] develop a stronger sense of global citizenship.” Concepts addressed include use and misuses of substances, food, and screen time; personal safety; digital citizenship; emotions and decision-making; diversity; friendships and bullying, and career pathways.
In Prince Edward Island, “English language arts encompasses the experience, study, and appreciation of language, literature, media, and communication.” The curriculum defines a text as “any language event, whether oral, written, visual, or digital. In this sense, a conversation, a poem, a novel, an online exchange, a poster, a music video, or a multimedia production are all considered texts.
According to the Newfoundland Elementary Science curriculum guide, “the aim of science education in the Atlantic provinces is to develop scientific literacy. Scientific literacy is an evolving combination of the science-related attitudes, skills, and knowledge students need to develop inquiry, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities; to become lifelong learners; and to maintain a sense of wonder about the world around them.
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).
Through a community-based research approach, our projects honour participants’ diverse range of digital media literacy strengths, experiences and expertise. We design projects that create safe spaces for participants to share their thoughts, experiences, concerns and solutions about digital media literacy issues. We aim to empower participants by providing them with knowledge and skills that they can take with them as they continue to navigate the online world and digital technology.
MediaSmarts, Canada’s centre for digital media literacy and a registered charity, is excited to be launching the Teen Fact-Checking Network (TFCN) in Canada! This international project was started in the U.S. by MediaWise and has since been adopted in countries across the globe including Brazil, Germany, India and Spain.