Four Important Action Items

Practical Steps to Create Change in New Mexico Education

          As past articles have demonstrated, funding and access to technology in New Mexico schools is often limited, and a large number of students face additional educational barriers due to poverty and marginalization. Despite these obstacles, there are practical and effective strategies that educators can employ to foster media literacy skills, critical thinking, and responsible digital citizenship among their students.

Rio Grande Gorge ~ Photo by Elisabeth Fulton

        Some specific steps to accomplish media literacy in these conditions would be as follows:

1.      Integrating media literacy concepts and serious critical thinking into the school’s existing curriculum through literature classes, language classes, philosophy, or other subjects. As Jolls et. al. encourage, “interdisciplinary approaches [to media literacy] are ideal” (16). This approach will include analyzing sources to determine the possible biases and intentions of the authors or speakers, which will translate directly to responsible digital citizenship and analysis of information online. Language classes might explore how word choice and tone in media messages influence audience perception. Philosophy courses could delve into the ethical implications of media creation and consumption. These cross-curricular connections not only reinforce media literacy concepts but also demonstrate their relevance across multiple domains of knowledge. These skills are fundamental to responsible digital citizenship and are transferable to online environments where information overload and misinformation are prevalent.

2.   Utilize accessible media in teaching formats, such as newspaper articles, printed media, visuals, and other aids to generate classroom discussion and further the students’ access to media literacy. Visual aids, such as photographs or advertisements, can be particularly effective in teaching concepts like framing, composition, and visual rhetoric.

Mt. Wheeler Summit ~ Photo by Elisabeth Fulton

3.   Maximize on available research options like libraries and interviews, which will allow students to develop important skills in primary research and in-person engagement. Encouraging students to conduct interviews with local figures or explore primary sources in libraries can develop important research skills that translate well to the digital realm. These activities also promote in-person engagement and community connection, which are valuable complements to digital literacy. Students can also be empowered to create their own media, whether in the form of student-run newsletters, podcasts, and flyers for extracurricular activities like football games. By creating their own media, students can develop confidence in their abilities and gain a deeper understanding of the power and responsibility that comes with media creation.

4.   Continue to lobby for equity, funding, and community partnerships in order to maximize student access and understanding of technology. Students can tour local media agencies, talk to professionals, and use what they learn to generate their own student newspapers to further their abilities in media production. This will also help New Mexico minority voices to find confidence and the ability to practice and expand upon their literacies as they work together to generate media for themselves, a skill which will translate well into the digital world.

San Lorenzo Canyon ~ Photo by Elisabeth Fulton 

The goal of these steps will be to develop students' critical thinking skills for media consumption, enhance students' ability to evaluate information sources, improve students' understanding of media creation and influence, and foster responsible digital citizenship. As students become more aware of the complexities of media landscapes, they are better equipped to navigate online environments ethically and effectively. This includes understanding the implications of their own digital footprint, respecting intellectual property rights, and contributing positively to online communities.

In conclusion, while New Mexico schools face significant challenges in implementing media literacy education, there are numerous strategies that can be employed to overcome these barriers. By integrating media literacy across the curriculum, utilizing accessible resources, maximizing existing research and application options, and fostering community partnerships, educators can empower students with the critical skills needed to thrive in the digital world of the 21st century. These efforts not only enhance students' academic capabilities but also prepare them to be informed, engaged, and responsible citizens in both digital and physical spaces.

Works Cited

Jolls, Tessa, et al. "Voices of Media Literacy." Media Literacy Education in Action: Theoretical and Pedagogical Perspectives, edited by Belinha S. De Abreu and Paul Mihailidis, Routledge, 2014, pp. 11-19.