Media and Information Skills in Elementary Classrooms

As technology begins to become more integrated into schools, the need for an emphasis on teaching students 21st century skills is at an all time high.  

What are media and information (MIL) skills?

Educators must learn how to teach students the ethical use of information as media and informational (MIL) skills. The University of Redlands defines MIL skills as "the knowledge, the attitudes, and the sum of the skills needed to know when and what information is needed; where and how to obtain that information; how to evaluate it critically and organize it once it is found; and how to use it in an ethical way" (University of Redlands, 2016). These skills have evolved drastically over the past decade or so, even since I was in school (I graduated from college in 2018). Crucial skills for students in present-day classrooms include digital, visual, textual, and technological literacy. These are skills that establish students on the path toward lifelong learning. These skills also encompass the idea of digital citizenship. In Teaching the Ethical Use of Information as an MIL Skill, B. Schultz-Jones shares that the development of MIL skills is a continuum, established by the various stages of exploring, emerging, evolving, and established (Schultz-Jones, 2017). These skills drive the best practices of teaching and learning, as well as instill a sense of motivation and establish responsibility for students in regards to their own learning. The learning and practice that students gain through mastering MIL skills encourage personal success, an ability to engage in positive social interactions with those around them, and set up students to thrive in an endless variety of workplace settings.

How do teachers integrate technology into the classroom in a safe and private way?

Teachers, particularly those in elementary classrooms, began to use technology more frequently in the classroom for needs such as teaching, classroom management, and professional development, there is also an increasing need for ensuring the privacy of both students and teachers. The concept of privacy in regards to technology varies drastically, cyber-bullying to identity theft, and all other privacy and safety concerns in between. My focus in the elementary classroom relates more to digital citizenship, ensuring that students have the ability to be safe and respectful on the internet, as well as recognize an unsafe environment. In Privacy and Security Considerations For Digital Technology Use in Elementary Schools, P. Kumar, M. Chettv, T. Clegg and J. Vitak identify these three key factors in regards to privacy and security:

1. Deciding which technologies to use in the classroom

Part of ensuring student privacy in regards to media includes choosing websites and other forms of media that are reputable and developmentally appropriate. This includes using software or websites from educational organizations, although this typically requires the school or teacher to purchase the software licenses or digital access.

2. Handling student data responsibly

Another aspect to ensuring students' privacy includes responsibly handling students' data. This includes how students' website logins are created, saved and shared with parents. It also includes when and where photography of students is shared, which requires parental permission in which families have the choice to "opt out".

3. Minimizing inappropriate use of technology

The final aspect to privacy and security in regards to students' digital footprint includes minimizing inappropriate use of technology. This includes both the physical use of devices (i.e. carrying them properly) as well as digital use. Some of the concerns include: teaching students to only navigate to the necessary website, avoiding accidental or intentional access to adult content, and reducing students' exposure to potentially inappropriate advertisements.