Top takeaways: 3 tips for teaching news literacy in the age of AI
No longer is artificial intelligence a figment of the imagination. This technology has quickly seeped into everyday life, forcing industries from medicine to education to grapple with its implications. Although AI has the potential to increase efficiency and streamline workflows, it also leads to the proliferation of misinformation in digital spaces. Educators play a vital role in training students to use this new technology thoughtfully, recognize inaccurate and biased information, and make a habit of double-checking before believing.
This fall, EdWeek hosted a forum of experts to explore issues and strategies in K-12 media literacy education. The News Literacy Project’s Shaelynn Farnsworth, District Fellowship Program Director, joined a panel to offer strategies for educators working to build critical thinking skills in their classrooms. Here are three tips to take from the conversation.
“One option that educators simply cannot take is to stick their heads in the sand.” — Kevin Bushweller, Deputy Managing Editor, Education Week
🧶 Weave it in
Critical news literacy skills can be integrated into existing curriculum across subject areas. Don’t be discouraged if your district isn’t yet able to offer a designated media or news literacy course, said Katie Gallagher, a K-12 Technology Integration Specialist in rural Colorado. Weave these skills into your existing classes with support from news literacy standards, like NLP’s Framework for Teaching News Literacy. Include hands-on opportunities for students to engage with technology and AI tools in projects that you already assign, said Cathy Collins, a Library Media Specialist in Massachusetts. For example, science teachers can build examples of misinformation into existing lessons to help students develop key news literacy competencies, like evaluating evidence.
“Start in a place where you can integrate it and embed it into what you already do.” — Katie Gallagher
🫱🏾🫲🏽 Collaborate with colleagues
Training news-literate students requires fostering a news-literate faculty. Engage in professional development days where educators share strategies for helping students navigate today’s technology and information landscape. When teachers better understand the role and impact of AI, their knowledge will ripple down to students, Collins said. When time is tight, consider embedding bite-sized learning opportunities in existing staff meetings or newsletters, added Gallagher.
“Look to teachers that are the trailblazers in your district.” — Cathy Collins
🌱 Set the foundation early
It’s not too soon to start your students down the path of news literacy. Students are gaining access to technology early, meaning that even elementary students need the skills to engage responsibly. About half of U.S. children get their first smartphone by age 11, according to Common Sense Media. Although social media and AI tools often have age restrictions, some young learners still find ways to access these platforms. Building foundational critical thinking skills from an early age will ensure that students are ready to use them responsibly. Focus on honing your students’ conceptual critical thinking skills, said Shaelynn Farnsworth. Help them understand how to seek credible information and gather facts before making a decision.
“Our young learners can start building up those critical thinking skills.” — Shaelynn Farnsworth
🔥 Hot tip: Check out “Introduction to Algorithms”
Looking for an easy point of entry for students to start thinking about AI and responsible online habits? With new content for the 2024-25 school year, NLP’s “Introduction to Algorithms” lesson on the Checkology® virtual classroom introduces students to algorithms, search engines and AI tools while prompting them to weigh the civic and social impact of these technologies. And, it’s free!
Need an option for younger students? Try “For Elementary: Search and Suggest Algorithms.”
