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With a wealth of information available at the click of a button, now more than ever, it is critical that we learn how to discern between what is true and what is not when we consume digital media. The internet is an incredible resource for teaching, learning, and sharing content, but there are no defined rules about the veracity of entries. If I wanted to tell the world that the sky is purple, I could do so with little to no repercussions. In a similar way, misinformation is easily created and spread to places where anyone can find it. Learning how to use the internet effectively is critical to learning and processing information in the digital age. This knowledge, however, is not inherent, meaning that students will need to be taught the principles of digital citizenship and information literacy.

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To be competent in information literacy, students need to be aware of information bias and learn how to accurately discern between fact and opinion. Persuasive writers are able to construe opinion and theory into seeming purely factual, when in reality, there are elements of bias. Teaching students about confirmation bias and how to acknowledge it within themselves and others will allow them to look objectively at media sources. Learning how to acknowledge bias requires a deeper level of socioemotional learning, particularly for younger children who are still learning the concept of self differentiation.

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To be proficient in media literacy, students need to learn how to project a productive digital footprint. So many people think that by pushing delete, any trace of decisions they have made will disappear, but in reality, our digital footprint carries with us. This means that students need to learn about the consequences of the things they post, comment, and interact with. They need to see the real world application of these decisions, including the impact it can have on future educational and employment opportunities. This ties into principles of socioemotional learning, because kids need to be taught how kindness and courtesy extends into the digital sphere.

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Students, particularly elementary schoolers, are often taught white washed, watered down versions of history. In an attempt to shield them from some of history's darker themes, we end up telling stories more than history. Take this Columbus Day activity, for example. It's super cute! I love the fun colors and smiling faces. But consider what we teach students about the history of indigenous peoples when we fail to mention them when we teach about Christopher Columbus and his journey in 1492.

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Christopher Columbus Day Craft and Activities Kindergarten and First Grade

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Many kids have the misconception that the sky is blue because it reflects the color of the ocean and other bodies of water. Youtube is full of videos where "scientists" claim to prove this theory and create this misunderstanding.

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Is the sky blue because of the ocean?

It is one of the first questions children often ask when it comes to anything weather related. Why is the sky blue?

If you were asked this, a few things may come to mind. One myth says that it is because the oceans are blue, and sunlight reflects off of the surface water casting a blue glow above.

Another common myth is that the sky is blue because of all the raindrops which are yet to fall to Earth. Greek mythology tells us that it is blue because Athena, goddess of wisdom and war, daughter of Zeus, asked her father to make it so her face could be seen by the entire world all year. At which point he turned the sky blue to match her eyes.

In actual fact, it is all to do with how the Sun's light is scattered as it hits Earth's atmosphere. Learn more on how this happens with our Weather Explained video.

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It is one of the first questions children often ask when it comes to anything weather related. Why is the sky blue?

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So... How do we encourage digital literacy?

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So... How do we encourage digital literacy?

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By using accurate sources during classroom instruction and teaching kids how to look for reputable sources (government websites, peer reviewed sources, etc.), we can encourage their curiosity while also helping them discern between fact and fiction effectively.