In this workshop, educators will learn about the myths surrounding teens and their media use: Are they true multi-taskers? Does their technology drain or train the brain? And, how does that change the way we teach and they learn? Participants will learn how to use social media and pop culture moments to teach critical media literacy skills to promote responsible use. Teachers will learn how to help students:
1. Manage their media exposure/use
2. Examine and ask questions
3. Decode the message
4. Identify issues and
5. Act appropriately
Links to curriculum, videos, and websites will be made available.
Presented by: Katie Cole
Audience: Grades 7-12
About the facilitator:
Katie Cole is currently teaching English and Media Studies at Medway High School in Arva, Ontario. She is a member of the Ontario Media Violence Coalition and a writer and consultant for the CAMH Centre for Prevention Science. As an advocate for Media Literacy and Healthy Youth Relationships, she has produced curriculum for educators; parent resources; and, has presented at numerous workshops and conferences across Ontario. For her contributions in preventing youth violence and bullying, she was the recipient of the 2009 Fourth R Award. Additionally, in 2011 Katie received the Fred L. Bartlett Memorial Award presented by OPSBA for her outstanding contributions to education as well as the Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence. Her message for parents, teachers and students is to become critical consumers and responsible users of media.