Kids spend an average of more than 7 hours a day with some form of media. As a result, they sometimes grow up having more interaction with TV, the Internet, and other media messages than people. Media Literacy refers to the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media messages of all kinds. This interactive training will explore basic concepts of media literacy by examining TV commercials, messages and print ads, and tobacco and alcohol marketing. We will work in small and large groups to discuss the language of persuasion, deconstruct ads, and create counter messages. After this training, participants will have a greater understanding of media literacy and walk away with tools they can use with their learners.

Objective 1: Participants will define media literacy and understand some techniques of persuasion.

Objective 2: Participants will understand how media literacy education helps prevent tobacco and alcohol initiation among youth.

Objective 3: Participants will learn new media literacy activities and exercises they can do with their learners.

The Media Literacy Professional Development Project will assist the state’s school districts in meeting the Montana media literacy content standards by offering Media Literacy Professional Development (PD) to Montana teachers. Please note that media literacy is included in both Curriculum Arts and Health Enhancement standards. If you are interested in scheduling a training session on Media Literacy or would like more information please contact John Keener, MRESA3 Coordinator, at john.keener@msubillings.edu or call 657-1743. There is no fee for this service.