It's essential that students learn to think critically about the news and media they encounter every day. During January we will be sharing information from Common Sense Media around the topics of credible sources and fairness in news media. These resources will help families identify, evaluate, and use information effectively, find credible and trustworthy sources, and give proper credit. They will recognize how individuals and society are influenced by the media and the misrepresentations and stereotypes they sometimes promote. During this month we can all reflect on our responsibilities and rights as creators in the online spaces where we consume, create, and share information.
Beyond Credible Sources
The current world of news media -- both internet-based and otherwise -- requires us to have a critical, but not cynical, eye. We should develop a critical lens, but not by disavowing the knowledge and experiences that we already bring to the table. Personal experiences can help us all stay critically engaged, particularly when the source is social media or a news outlet with a particular point of view.
Fairness
We all have our favorites when it comes to where we get our news and entertainment media. And these favorites can reflect who we are: our personality, our gender, our cultural background, our age. We need to use our favorite news and media sources more effectively and critically.