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Accessing and using media is a fundamental skill for youth today – and so is the ability to analyze and evaluate that media critically. Strong media literacy skills allow kids to properly interpret the information they find, especially on the internet.
We support students’ online research, for both school and personal interest, by providing access to informed sources and expertise. Check out the digital resources, outreach programs, and other articles below to help your children and students learn to consume, share, and produce media thoughtfully and responsibly.
Join us for a virtual tour of CBC Calgary's news station, where you can learn how local stories are covered and ask your questions live.
Grades K-3 can discover the truth behind online content, its creators, and the best way to engage with digital media.
Grades 4-6 can learn more about the Digital Library at Calgary Public Library.
Grades 5-9 can learn how social media and online activities can affect their mental well-being, and discover tips for staying safe online!
The music, TV and other media we consume influence how we see the world. To be informed consumers, kids need to develop media literacy skills. These skills include observation, research, and critical thinking.
Libraries are great places to find reliable sources of information and learn to use them. That's why we're excited to launch an online quiz in collaboration with Media Smarts, to help kids in Grades 4 – 6 test their media literacy skills.
Collection of sources including the Smithsonian Collection Online and Archives of Human Sexuality and Gender.
This collection of Canadian history and culture presents an unbiased view of our shared past.
Books, government documents, and periodicals on Canadian History.
Indigenous perspectives shared through maps, artwork, history, and culture.
Videos, pictures, and books on a variety of topics for kids.
Learn about famous scientists and research topics in applied sciences, biology, chemistry, earth science, energy, and astronomy.
Children can explore topics on animals, people, and much more.
Lateral Reading: Verifying information as you read it. This can be done by leaving the website and looking at other sites to make sure the original source is reliable and authentic.
Critical observation: Using critical thinking to look more carefully at images and think about where those images were taken.
Reverse Image Search: A digital investigative technique used to find the original source of photographs.
Geolocation: Verifying the location of online information.
Misinformation: Information that is inadvertently incorrect and not intended to mislead people.
Disinformation: Information and the distribution of information that is deliberately incorrect or deceptive with the intention of spreading a false message.
Propaganda: Information with an agenda. Its intention is to persuade and will often contain an unnecessary positive spin.
Fake News: A term used to refer to information that is intentionally false. This term has been politicized to refer to information that one does not agree with, regardless of the validity of the information.
Fact-checking: The process of verifying information to determine its correctness.
Was it a company? Was it an individual? (If so, who?) Was it a comedian? Was it an artist? Was it an anonymous source? Why do you think that?
Was it to inform you of something that happened in the world (for example, a news story)? Was it to change your mind or behaviour (an opinion essay or a how-to)? Was it to make you laugh (a funny meme)? Was it to get you to buy something (an ad)? Why do you think that?
Is it for kids? Grown-ups? Girls? Boys? People who share a particular interest? Why do you think that?
Does it have statistics from a reputable source? Does it contain quotes from an expert? Does it have an authoritative-sounding voice-over? Is there direct evidence of the claims it’s making? Why do you think that?
Is the information balanced with different views — or does it present only one side? Do you need more information to fully understand the message? Why do you think that?
Do you think others might feel the same way? Would everyone feel the same, or would certain people disagree with you? Why do you think that?
Claudia Haines' guide for working with children and families to boost media literacy.
An article by Melanie Kletter from School Library Journal.
Books to support teachers and parents as they help their kids navigate the digital world.
CIA Analyst Cindy L. Otis shares a guide to spotting fake news.
Free media literacy lesson plans for all grades
A website that helps Albertans better understand the effects of media on their lives.
A non-profit organization dedicated to providing trustworthy information and an independent voice to kids and families.
A news and media literacy learning platform that helps students navigate the ever-changing digital landscape.
Curriculums that teach kids the fundamentals of digital citizenship and safety so they can explore the online word with confidence.
This tool can help users fact check the location of online information using 3D images of Earth based on satellite imagery.
A curriculum guide for students that encourages the study of oral, print, visual and multimedia texts.
Canadian non-profit organization developing digital and media literacy resources for families, students and educators, and communities.
Tin Eye is a reverse image search engine to help users determine the original source of an image.