MediaSmarts, Canada's leading centre for digital and media literacy and the Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF), today announced this year's theme for Media Literacy Week, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 4, will focus on hands-on media creation for children and teens.
"Makers and Creators" will celebrate the ways parents and teachers can help young people become more creative, innovative and entrepreneurial by embracing media production, remixing, maker and do-it-yourself culture and coding. The week will highlight the wide variety of media products young people can create - blogs, videos, music, websites, apps, video games, etc. - using easily accessible digital tools.
"We're seeing incredible media projects created by students across the country with their teachers and peers" says Cathy Wing, Co-Executive Director of MediaSmarts. "For this year's Media Literacy Week, we wanted to celebrate these creative efforts and hopefully inspire others to become involved in hands-on production."
"When students produce and create their own media, they are more apt to question media messages produced by others and to hone their critical thinking skills," says CTF President Heather Smith. "The teacher's role is paramount in framing this media literacy exercise so it is an engaging, collaborative and a very rich learning experience for students of all ages."
Media Literacy Week is an annual event, co-hosted by MediaSmarts and the CTF, which highlights the importance of teaching children and teens digital and media literacy skills. Over 100 collaborating organizations recognize the week each year by organizing activities across Canada and internationally. Media Literacy Week was officially adopted in the U.S. in 2015, where it is led by the National Association for Media Literacy Education.
MediaSmarts and the CTF are very pleased to welcome back YouTube as a Gold Sponsor of Media Literacy Week 2016.
