Digital Literacy 101 For Teachers

How can teachers equip their students to successfully and ethically navigate the digital world?

New Canadian research reveals that parents need more resources and tools to become digital role models to kids

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, October 22, 2018– Technology is keeping families and households more connected than ever before but parents feel they need more resources to be better digital role models, according to the latest research on digital parenting and the digital well-being of Canadian families released today by MediaSmarts.

The Digital Well-Being of Canadian Families

In this study, MediaSmarts conducted a survey of 825 parents of children from birth to 15 years old to learn more about their digital family life; specifically, the digital technology uses and activities of their children, their parenting style, and the opportunities and challenges that digital technology brings to parenting and family life in Canada. The results of this study emphasize that there is not a one-size-fits-all solution for digital well-being in families. However, one consistent pattern is the importance of digital literacy in tipping the scales in favour of the positive effects of digital technology use in Canadian families.

Think Before You Share

The internet is all about sharing – sharing news, sharing videos, sharing our thoughts and opinions with our friends.

Become Aware of Your Own Biases

One of the hardest things about being a responsible sharer is to be aware of your own biases, the reasons why you might be more likely to believe something without evidence. These are aspects of the way we think that can lead us to accept false statements, reject true ones, or simply not ask enough questions.

Effective Debunking

Because social media makes us all broadcasters, we have a responsibility not just to avoid sharing misinformation but to take action when people in our network share it.

Ethics of Sharing Information Online - Introduction

In fact, half of us pay more attention to who shared a story with us than where it originally came from.

Outcome Chart - Alberta - Social Studies 30-1 - Grade 12

This outcome chart contains Media literacy learning expectations from the Alberta social studies curriculum, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.

Dimensions of Thinking

S.1 develop skills of critical thinking and creative thinking:

Outcome Chart - Alberta - Social Studies 30-2 - Grade 12

This outcome chart contains Media literacy learning expectations from the Alberta social studies curriculum, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.

Dimensions of Thinking

S.1 develop skills of critical thinking and creative thinking:

Outcome Chart - British Columbia - Arts Studio 10

Curricular Competencies

Students will be able to: