NAME: Marissa McNamara
Twitter: @MarissaMcNamara
SCHOOL/ORGANIZATION: Professional Learning & Innovation Center- a division of Broome-Tioga BOCES
TITLE: Instructional Technology Specialist
DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE: I work directly with teachers and administrators providing professional learning and coaching around effective practices for leveraging instructional technology within the classroom.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE MEDIA LITERACY?: Media literacy is the ability to identify and understand various types of media. To be media literate is to have the ability to critically analyze the media that one consumes, allowing you to discern the message they are sending.
WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY AROUND THIS AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO YOU?: Media literacy is vital for our globally connected world. Students are exposed to so much media, knowing how to critically analyze and use media thoughtfully will help our students to discern what is credible and accurate in a digital world.
WHAT ARE YOUR GO-TO RESOURCES TO RECOMMEND IF PEOPLE WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MEDIA LITERACY? Here is a nice compilation of resources put together by ISTE 10 Resources to Boost Student Media Literacy. If you’d like some examples and lesson ideas, check out commonsensemedia.org. It’s free for educators to create an account!
Here are a few accounts to follow on Twitter: @DigCitDoctors @digcitPLN
WHY DID YOU APPLY TO WSKG’s PBS MEDIA LITERACY ACADEMY? WHAT IS A POSITIVE ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE SO FAR FOR YOU?: I applied to deepen my knowledge regarding the many parts of media literacy. Everything has been positive so far, but the community of educators all dedicated to their students and their work has been the most beneficial! Our cohort is willing to share ideas, have conversations around topics, and review projects before submitting for a micro-credential.
WHAT IS ONE SMALL STEP PEOPLE CAN TAKE TO BECOME MORE MEDIA LITERATE?: Widen your range of sources you receive news from. Read from a variety of sources and news outlets to hear a diversified view on a topic. Your main source of news shouldn’t be a social media outlet!
Learn more about WSKG's PBS Media Literacy Academy here.