Media Literacy Lab

Prospective users

Aims & approach

The Media Literacy Lab is a module-based learning program for student aged 12 to 16 (or tailored to other cohorts), aligned to the Australian curriculum and underpinned by three key areas on media engagement:

1. Media consumption: Students will build foundational knowledge on what media is, why it is made, and who consumes it. They will also learn about critical engagement in social and personal media habits and consumption.
2. Content and creation: Students will examine the creative and technological mechanisms behind media production and dissemination, including a close look at 'fake news' media, 'deepfakes' and data ownership.
3. Human rights and activism: Students will explore the mutually productive relationship between media and democracy, the responsibilities of digital citizenship, how to prevent online harm, and how to create positive change.

MLL develops the following skills:

• Question the source: Encourage students to critically evaluate the source of information by asking questions such as: Who created the content? What is their expertise or credibility? Are they biased or have a hidden agenda? Encourage students to seek information from reputable sources and verify the credibility of unfamiliar sources.
• Verify information: Teach students how to fact-check information by cross-referencing multiple sources and verifying the accuracy of claims. Encourage them to look for corroborating evidence, reliable sources, and independent verification before accepting information as true.
• Analyse the Content: Teach students to analyse the content of news articles, social media posts, and online sources by examining the language, tone, and presentation of information. Encourage them to look for signs of bias, sensationalism, or manipulation and to consider the context in which the information is presented.
• Check for confirmation bias: Raise awareness about confirmation bias and encourage students to be mindful of their own biases and assumptions when consuming information. Encourage them to seek out diverse perspectives, question their own beliefs, and consider alternative viewpoints before forming opinions.
• Evaluate photos and videos: Teach students how to evaluate the authenticity of photos and videos by looking for signs of manipulation or editing. Encourage them to consider the source of the media, examine for inconsistencies or alterations, and use reverse image search tools to verify the origins of visual content.
• Consider the intent: Encourage students to consider the intent behind the information or message being shared. Teach them to be sceptical of sensational headlines, clickbait, and provocative content designed to evoke emotional responses or spread misinformation.
• Promote digital citizenship: Emphasise the importance of responsible digital citizenship and ethical online behaviour. Teach students about the potential consequences of sharing misinformation or participating in online hoaxes and encourage them to think critically before sharing or reposting information.

To support educators in the delivery of MLL, there are:

• Pre and post lessons: These are designed to be delivered in a whole class or group setting, and involve discussion and collaboration.
• Interactive learning modules: These are designed to be completed individually, and can be accessed in school or home settings, providing flexibility in how you choose to run these with your students.

Implementation support

• Implementation training webinars or modules
• Ongoing helpdesk, email or phone support
• Regular webinars or access to community of professional practice

Evidence

Self Determination Theory, Positive Psychology, Ethical Understanding, Digital Literacy, Critical and creative thinking.

Evaluation conducted by ACER 2024-2025.