Ottawa, ON (March 31, 2014) – Canadian youth are not as digitally literate as adults may think they are, according to new research released today by MediaSmarts. Though today’s young people have grown up immersed in digital media, they still rely on parents and teachers to help them advance their skills in areas such as searching and verifying online information.
This report, written by Directions Evidence and Policy Research Group (Directions), details the results of a 2013 national survey of Canadian youth conducted by Directions on behalf of MediaSmarts. The classroom-based survey of 5,436 students in grades 4 through 11, in every province and territory, examined the role of networked technologies in young people’s lives.
This report is drawn from a national survey of Canadian youth conducted by MediaSmarts in 2013. The classroom-based survey of 5,436 students in grades 4 through 11, in every province and territory, examined the role of networked technologies in young people’s lives. Experts or Amateurs?
It’s been almost fifteen years since Mark Prensky coined the term “digital native” to describe young people who have grown up with the Internet and digital media. In fact, the children who were born the year Prensky’s book was published are now in high school. While for many, the public perception of young people taking to digital platforms like ducks to water persists – accompanied by the image of adults, particularly parents, who are seen (often by themselves) as hopelessly out of their depth – the question remains how close that image is to reality. Are Canadian youth truly digitally literate? And if they are not "digital natives" who effortlessly acquire their skills on their own or from peers, are students learning what they need from their parents or teachers?
This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the Manitoba, Kindergarten Physical Education/Health Education curriculum, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.
This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the Ontario, Grade 11 Healthy Active Living curriculum, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.
This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the Ontario Grade 12 Healthy Active Living curriculum with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.
This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the Ontario Curriculum for Communications Technology, Grade 12, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.
This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the Ontario Curriculum for Communications Technology, Grade 12, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.