October 31, 2016
Province Proclaims Media Literacy Week in Manitoba
Manitoba’s new government is recognizing Media Literacy Week from Oct. 31 to Nov. 4, Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart announced today at an event with Manitoba Teachers’ Society.
“In today’s increasingly complex media culture, we are encouraging students to develop the skills needed to navigate the ever evolving digital landscape,” said Wishart. “Students today are spending more time online than ever, and by observing Media Literacy Week in Manitoba, we are inviting educators, students, parents and community members to engage in media literacy education.”
Media Literacy Week is a national event sponsored by MediaSmarts and the Canadian Teachers’ Federation that highlights the importance of teaching children and teens digital and media literacy skills so their interactions with media are positive and enriching. This year marks the 11th Media Literacy Week in Canada.
“Manitoba students are learning to be good, safe, digital citizens,” said Norm Gould, president of the Manitoba Teachers’ Society, and vice-president of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation. “Connecting and sharing with students across continents opens a world of online collaboration for them that simply never existed before.”
This year’s theme, 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 DIY culture and coding.
“It is important that we as parents and educators work together to spark the imagination of students to create and engage with media in a positive way,” said Wishart. “This year’s theme of Makers and Creators is an opportunity to have fun and inspire innovative interaction with a diverse spectrum of content.”
Manitoba Education and Training’s Literacy with ICT Across the Curriculum initiative uses a continuum model to help students gain media literacy skills throughout the curriculum from kindergarten to Grade 12.
More information about how to participate in Media Literacy Week is available at www.medialiteracyweek.ca.
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