October 24th, 2022
This week, October 24-28, is Media Literacy Week. This annual event promotes digital media literacy across the country. Many schools, museums, libraries and community groups host events and activities throughout the week.
Why it’s important
We have more information available at our fingertips than ever before, and it’s important to be mindful of how we engage with media. This includes fact checking information found online, thinking critically about what we’re consuming, and focusing on our digital wellbeing.
What to do before sharing online information
In this digital age, we are all responsible for sharing factual information. Before sharing content, like articles and stories you find online, consider these four easy steps.
- Click the link to find the source.
- Determine if the website is legitimate.
- Check to see if other reputable outlets are sharing the information.
- When in doubt, access a fact checking site, like AFP Canada, factcheck.org, or snopes.com
These steps take less than 30 seconds to complete, and help ensure that the information shared is true.
Helpful Resources
Media Smarts is an excellent place to find further information on various topics relating to media, youth, and the Internet. You can also explore how media influences and shapes opinion, as well as how to deal with online issues that may arise, like cyber bullying, security risks and excessive use. For those looking to test their critical thinking and fact checking skills, there are two quizzes you can take!
Additional information can be found through the Association for Media Literacy; this organization created the key concepts around Media Literacy Week. You may also be familiar with the WRDSB’s Digital Citizenship page, as well as Internet Awesome, a site the WRDSB often uses to provide education around digital literacy.
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