Introduction to Media Literacy

In this lesson from ConnectED, find tools and strategies to help your students learn media literacy skills, how media is produced, how to identify bias, important questions to ask, and the importance of a diverse media diet.

Media literacy is the ability to critically evaluate and consume media, an essential skill to reflect on the information that we consume and to develop a more holistic world view. This lesson equips students with the skills to assess the credibility, reliability, and inherent biases of information seen on social media and in traditional news outlets. Through a 15-minute-video and an educator’s guide, you will help your students learn about the importance of active questions, recognize different forms of media bias, and diversify their media sources to gain a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues.

The guide provides discussion questions on media literacy, how media production works, key biases, and the importance of a well-rounded media diet, in addition to reflection questions for students to consider. A list of eight review questions and answers are provided which could be used as a review or a quiz to gauge students’ understanding. A few project ideas are included for students to apply their understanding in new and creative ways.