T
eaching media literacy is becoming more important by the day. We live in a world of Fake news, fake social media, review sites with fake reviews, false websites offering wonderfully impossible free iphones, tablets, Xboxes, etc. This all forms part of today’s rich tapestry and children need to start picking their way through it, even as young as those in primary school.
A few years ago Google launched “Be Internet Awesome” with lessons shared freely for teachers teaching children about online safety.
“This year the company has added a new component to its campaign: media literacy. Developed in partnership with the Net Safety Collaborative, the new program includes play-to-learn activities that help educate youth about how to spot disinformation, such as fake URLs or misleading headlines. The curriculum includes “Don’t Fall for Fake” activities centered on teaching children the critical thinking skills needed to differentiate between credible and noncredible news sources (for example) and ways to spot a bad URL.”(Google)
Nice, friendly slogans like “Share with care” and “It’s cool to be kind” form part of the messages being taught.
The new teaching media literacy resources are included in the new Be Internet Awesome and it is being shared with schools and families. It is aimed at 7 – 12 year olds and is free of charge, just visit: Be Internet Awesome to access the resources.
The Interland game is also part of this excellent Google campaign:
Aspects covered in the Interland game are:
- BE INTERNET SMART
Share with Care - COMMUNICATE RESPONSIBLY
Encourage thoughtful sharing by treating online communication like face-to-face communication; if it isn’t right to say, it isn’t right to post. - BE INTERNET ALERT
Don’t Fall for Fake
It’s important to help kids become aware that people and situations online aren’t always as they seem. - BE INTERNET STRONG
Secure Your Secrets
Personal privacy and security are just as important online as they are offline. - BE INTERNET KIND
It’s Cool to Be Kind
The Internet is a powerful amplifier that can be used to spread positivity or negativity. - BE INTERNET BRAVE
When in Doubt, Talk It Out.