Information and New Media Literacy
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It requires skill to identify relevant and factual information and evaluate sources to determine the quality of information. Information literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and use information from many different sources (Berkman, 2021). Advances in technology and the internet are making it easier to use and share information on a global scale. New media literacy is the capability to access, analyze, evaluate, and disseminate information in various digital forms. These literacies are interrelated concepts in that information literacy emphasizes the process of acquiring and vetting reputable information from various sources, including digital content. For instructional designers, new media literacy is the ability to communicate effectively and responsibly using digital and printed media (Dell, 2019).
New media literacy and information literacy are interrelated in the process of obtaining and evaluation information. Information literacy skills help people assess the credibility of sources of information. Media literacy skills allow them to navigate the various forms of media through which the information is delivered. Both media and information literacy empower people to critically analyze to discern what is factual or based on opinion to make decisions for themselves.
Four Implications for Instructional Design:
Curating Content
Instructional designers must curate content that aligns with the learning objectives while also meeting the criteria of information and new media literacy. In the design and development phases, designers must select from a variety of credible sources while considering the most effective means to digitally deliver content.
Critical Thinking
Instructional designers must foster critical thinking skills by guiding learners in the process of analyzing and evaluating information found online for relevance and reliability. This includes teaching them to cross-reference sources, assess the credibility of the author or organization, and discern biased information.
Integration of Digital Media
Instructional designers integrate digital media to enhance learning experiences to foster engagement and comprehension. This requires a comprehensive understanding of new media literacy to ensure their choices are visually appealing while also relevant and meaningful to the learning objectives.
Digital Citizenship
Instructional designers play a critical role in instilling digital citizenship skills within the learner. For collaborative learning environments, designers should promote responsible and respectful communication between learners, teaching them how to engage positively and avoid the spread of misinformation.
Check out 5 Questions Students Should Ask About Media.
References
Berkman, R. (2021). When Online Fact-Checking Is a Trap: The Weaponization of Media Literacy. Online Searcher, 45(2), 10–13.
Dell, M. (2019). Fake News, Alternative Facts, and Disinformation: The Importance of Teaching Media Literacy to Law Students. Touro Law Review, 35(2), 619–648.
