The implications of this new interactive culture are a real concern. As we teach our students to become adept at using the "media," they will also become more dependent on its usefulness. As teachers, we need to be aware of the ways in which all media influences our kids, our schools, and our culture. What are students reading, watching, and believing? This becomes a central concern for both parents and teachers who are expanding their understanding of what it means to be literate in today's world. This is why the topic of media literacy is such an important subject for teachers to reflect upon as they design and implement technology-infused learning activities.

For one, we should recognize that in order to become wise and active participants of this media revolution, we need to be media critics. Recognition of commercialism, bias, and perspective are some of the topics to address. It is also important to teach appropriate etiquette for use of the media, as well as to recognize the deeper issues of interpretations we receive from the media. Who is profiting by what is being shown? What is being left out?

While our language is beginning to refer to school libraries as Media Centers, and. English Departments as Communication Departments, teachers need to find "teachable moments" to focus on "media literacy." Topics such as the effect of marketing in the media, how to use the news, and what’s true on the Internet, to name a few, can be connected to relevant topics from curriculum frameworks.

Nobody is more vulnerable than our kids, and teaching about the media, or media literacy, is time well spent. The following websites are suggested for teachers and parents who would like to learn how to incorporate media awareness into the classroom, and how to manage it at home.

The Media Awareness Network
This Canadian site offers a wide range of tips and lessons for parents and teachers dealing with violence, hate groups, advertising, and government policies.

The Media Literacy Review
A biannual online resource from the University of Oregon, focusing on children, adolescents and media.

Media Literacy Clearinghouse
Designed for K-12 educators, this site will give you lots of basic information on media literacy and how it fits into the your state’s teaching standards. A 50-state database for connections to Frameworks is included in the site.

What is Media Literacy
This page, from Holt, Rinehart and Winston, explains the basics of media literacy to students and takes them through five key questions of media literacy.

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