Peer Review

Media and information literate citizens: think critically, click wisely!

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Reviewed:: May 15, 2023 by ICT Literacy

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

This curriculum presents a comprehensive competency framework of media and information literacy, and offiers pedagogical suggestions. It features various detailed modules covering the range of competencies needed to navigate today’s communications ecosystem. This resource links media and information literacy to emerging issues. with the intent that everyone can become media and information literate as well as peer-educators of media and information literacy.

Type of Material:

Open (Access) Textbook

Recommended Uses:

Use each module as a pre-class preparation, for curriculum building, course content, homework, discussions, in-class work

Technical Requirements:

pdf format; accessible on Windows browsers. The site uses cookies for a better user experience.

Identify Major Learning Goals:

Understand media and information literacy (MIL)

Understand information and technology

Understand research, information cycles, digiral information processing, and intellectual property

Tackle mis/disinformtion and hate speech

Understand global citizenship

Understand representation in media and information

Understand how media and technology influence content

Understand privacy and data protection

Understand Internet opportunities and challenges

Understand advertising and meida and MIL

Use MIL to deal with artificial intelligence and social media

Understand digital media, games and traditional media

Understand MIL's context in media, technology and sustainable development goals

Synthesize communicatoin and information, MIL and learning

Target Student Population:

Professional educators, MIL learners of all levels

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

basic ICT literacy skills (mainly reading)

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

UNESCO's book provides a thorough, global framework and 14 extensive modules on media and information literacy (MIL) based on international expertise. Material is research-based, providing accurate, current and relevant content. The modules include learning objectives, teaching content, and assessment tools; they also clearly summarize and integrate the concepts. The book lists many supporting documents, including a how-to-use section for educators, and may be used as a stand-alone product that can be integrated flexibly across many disciplines. To that end, the book's consistent pattern facilitates selecting specific modules for inclusion when developing curriculum. Content is appropriately attributed, and links work.

Concerns:

None

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: The learning outcomes cover ICT literacy standards. Three thematic areas are covered: 1) knowledge and understanding of information, media and digital communications, for sustainable development, peace, and democratic discourses and social participation; 2) evaluation of content and related institutions; 3) production and use of content. While prerequisite knowledge is not explicitly identified, the activities probably assume basic educational background. The modules build upon each other, and concepts are reinforced progressively. Nevertheless, each module also stands well on its own.The modules contain several activity suggestions so it is easy for instructor to write assignments, which can result in efficient learning. The materials obviously apply to ICT literacy, and are strongly linked to daily and academic life.
Concerns:: none

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

The book is highely structured and very thorough. Users can navigate the pdf document independently, and requires little technical skill. No help feature is available, but none is needed; basic scrolling and a side panel of pages aid navigation. Also available in multiple languages. An extensive glossary of terms does help understanding, and the book is available in multiple languages. The activities listed are usually interactive; the book recommends active learning strategies. The book appears ADA-compliant.

Concerns:

The writing is clear but rather academic. Text is dense with little visual "relief" or interactive component, although the charts and diagrams do facilitate comprehension.

Other Issues and Comments:: None
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