I remember growing up with computer technology. When I was attending grade school, our teachers had to wrestle with new technologies like search engines and online encyclopedias, namely Google and Wikipedia. I remember both of these tools being banned or restricted. Wikipedia wasn’t thought of to be trustworthy or allowed as a reliable source for information and search engines were dangerous because they let us access content that the schools didn’t want us to. Despite that type of resistance, the widespread use and reliance on these technologies today is undeniable. In my lifetime, we have seen many advancements in computer software and hardware applications. I am sure that those of you from older generations can relate on an even large scale. Perhaps you remember when word processing applications, internet browsers, and personal computers themselves were scrutinized and not trusted. Yet today, most of the school systems in the US and much of the world rely on these technical tools to educate students.
I know that I have a lot of friends who are teachers and parents, and who are currently wrestling with finding a balance between embracing the influence of technology and understanding its impact on child development. I think that it can be easy today to find yourself polarized, where you think you either have to ban your children from the pervasive allure of the digital world, or give in to the new order of things and let your kids’ fates be immersed and manipulated by the whims of software developers and 'big tech'.
On the one hand, the banning or restrictive method might protect them from the dangers of the virtual world, but it might also limit their opportunities to connect or grow and even worse might lead them to secretly or privately exploring these tools on their own without your guidance or supervision. I remember when we couldn’t use Google in high school because it was blocked on all of the school’s computers, so we found other search engines like AltaVista and these let us exploit the school’s system to access websites that definitely weren’t allowed.
On the other hand, you might worry about how much your children are going to be reliant or addicted to technology. Maybe you feel guilty about your child being immersed into this digital embrace because they’re growing up with iPads and smartphones at ages when you played with toys and friends. There’s currently a lot of talk about 'iPad kids' and what potential affects screen-time may have on children’s communication and problem-solving skills. There are tons of people talking about this, and not a lot of concrete research, but still it’s worth noting that many people are generally afraid of what a constant exposure to screens and a personalized digital stimulus are doing to alter the way a child’s brain develops.
I don’t think there is any clear side, but I do think it’s possible for us to find a nuanced balance in monitoring and nurturing technology utilization among children and young adults. I think that the use of personalized tech is only going to progress in the upcoming generations and its important to be involved and a part of the process. If you’re worried about your students or kids engaging with mobile and digital technologies, then I encourage you to learn more about how these tools work yourself. You don’t have to know everything about solid-state physics or liquid crystal dynamics to learn the basics of how computer technology works in the same way you don’t necessarily need to understand every reaction in an internal combustion engine when you teach your kids how to drive an automobile. But you still need to know how the car works and functions, and you should learn how the iPad works, and how the apps you use work. Make the effort to understand the tech so that you can support your children as well as possible.
There are plenty of resources and online videos for parents and educators to learn more about the technologies being used for education and today.
Also, understand the importance of representation in media. Media is a powerful cultural tool that can seriously impact how others are perceived and how individuals see themselves. "Representations in media" refer to the ways in which media, including movies, television shows, books, advertisements, news articles, and other forms of communication, depict and portray people, places, events, ideas, and concepts. These representations are constructed by creators, writers, producers, and editors to communicate specific messages, ideas, or narratives to the audience.
The history of popular mediums can give us a better idea of how media technology influences us today. For example, many early forms of media were primarily audio-based. Storytelling in ancient civilizations and tribes were through spoken word legends and myths that would get passed through generations. Over time, there was a transition to more visual forms, like printed books, theatrical performances and eventually film and television. Throughout history there has also been a hybridization of visual and audio media forms. In the 30s and 40s, comic books and cinema emerged to blend visual art with written narratives and took storytelling to a whole new level. And today, the internet and digital technologies have changed how we create, consume, and share media content, similarly social media platforms have reshaped how we connect and engage with on another.
Media itself has become increasingly interactive. New platforms like apps and video games offer audiences the opportunity to participate in and shape the content they consume, which is blurring the line between creators and consumers. I don’t think it’s a huge surprise that many of the “iPad kids” coming of age today have no desire to enter the workforce because they aspire to become influencers, streamers or content creators. The past twenty years have seen a huge boom in user-generated content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok as well as podcasts and live streams. The future generations will have even more possibilities thanks to technologies like generative AI, virtual reality and augmented reality.
Media literacy is essential in the digital age. It empowers us to critically analyze and evaluate the media we consume. Recognizing the importance of representations in media allows people to discern between accurate, unbiased content and content that may be misleading, manipulative or harmful. Media can have psychological effects on people, particularly young and impressionable minds. Understanding media as representations is a fundamental aspect of media literacy. It enables people to decipher the language and visual elements used in media, making them more discerning consumers of information and entertainment. Being aware that media often relies on stereotypes or simplified portrayals of people or groups helps us identify and challenge harmful stereotypes, prejudices, and biases that may be perpetuated through media. But it’s not all bad, media representations can provide insight into different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. So, understanding that these representations are not necessarily complete or accurate encourages individuals to seek out diverse sources of information and engage with a broader range of perspectives. If you have a parent or family member who only gets news from one source, then you may already know how particularly important it is to diversify your resources. I think that this is crucial with powerful chatbots and super-advanced personalized recommendation algorithms becoming the new norm.
Here are some resources for parents, teachers, libraries and community organizers who want to learn more about digital literacy and how to teach children about representations in media:
Common Sense Media:
Website: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
This website offers a wide range of resources and guides for parents on topics related to media literacy, digital citizenship, and age-appropriate content for children. They also provide reviews of movies, TV shows, books, and apps to help parents make informed choices for their kids.
MediaSmarts:
Website: https://mediasmarts.ca/
MediaSmarts is a Canadian organization dedicated to promoting digital and media literacy. Their website includes resources, lesson plans, and tip sheets for parents on topics like online safety, privacy, and critical thinking.
NetSmartz Workshop:
NetSmartz, a program by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, provides resources for parents to teach children about online safety, including videos, games, and discussion guides.
Media Education Lab:
Website: https://mediaeducationlab.com/
The Media Education Lab offers a variety of resources and lesson plans for teachers to integrate media literacy into their classrooms. They provide free resources, including videos, articles, and curriculum guides.
Digital Literacy and Citizenship Curriculum:
Website: https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship
Common Sense Education offers a comprehensive curriculum for educators that covers topics like digital citizenship, online safety, and critical thinking. They provide lesson plans, videos, and interactive activities.
Google's Be Internet Awesome:
Website: https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/en_us/educators
Google's Be Internet Awesome program provides free resources and lesson plans for teachers to help students become responsible digital citizens. It includes topics like privacy, online communication, and evaluating online information.
Media Literacy Now:
- Website: https://www.medialiteracynow.org/
- Media Literacy Now provides advocacy and resources for advancing media literacy education. They offer guidance on policy initiatives, curriculum development, and organizing community-based programs.
Center for Media Literacy (CML):
- Website: https://www.medialit.org/
- CML provides media literacy education resources and training for educators, including libraries and community organizations. They offer curriculum materials, workshops, and online courses.
The News Literacy Project:
- Website: https://newslit.org/
- Focused on news literacy, this organization offers resources, lesson plans, and professional development opportunities for libraries and community groups interested in teaching critical thinking skills related to news and information.
Digital Citizenship Institute:
- Website: https://digcitinstitute.com
- The Digital Citizenship Institute provides resources and training on digital citizenship and media literacy. Their materials can be useful for libraries and community organizations aiming to promote responsible online behavior.
American Library Association (ALA) - Media Literacy Resources:
- The ALA offers a collection of media literacy resources, including recommended books, websites, and toolkits, which can be helpful for librarians and library programs.
Teaching Tolerance - Digital Literacy Resources:
- Teaching Tolerance provides resources and curriculum materials for educators, including those working in libraries and community organizations, to address issues of media literacy and social justice.
PBS LearningMedia:
- Website: https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/
- PBS LearningMedia offers a variety of free educational resources, including videos, lesson plans, and interactive activities, which can be utilized by libraries and community organizations for media literacy programs.
National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE):
- Website: https://namle.net/
- NAMLE is a professional organization that provides support, research, and networking opportunities for those interested in promoting media literacy. They offer resources and information that can benefit community-based initiatives.