Media Literacy is for Everyone
By Michele Marques Pereira
With questions like "Why does Media Literacy matter in Rhode Island?" and "What does Media Literacy look like in your space?" the Media Literacy is for Everyone event kicked off as part of the 10th Annual Media Literacy Week in the United States. This in-person gathering, which took place on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, brought together 28 researchers and professionals and highlighted the voices and experiences of Rhode Island educators and community members. The event provided rich moments of sharing and reflection, making the 90 minutes fly by and leaving participants wanting more, as reflected in the feedback, such as, "I wish I could have more time with these amazing people."
The event, a collaboration between the Media Education Lab, Rhode Island PBS|The Public's Radio, unfolded in three parts. After the welcome from Pam Johnston and Sarah Trudeau (Rhode Island PBS), Pam Steager and Renee Hobbs from the Media Education Lab led the session, starting with introductions from guests Roberto Gonzalez (STEAM Box), John Palella (Brown University), Kate Ray (Cranston High School West), and Sarah Sweetman (University of Rhode Island). They shared their experiences and insights into media literacy in Rhode Island, covering a wide range of topics—from producing TV content for PBS, to creating participatory educational, cultural, and community projects, to working with children, youth, and families, and exploring critical media analysis and youth-led content creation. Their stories inspired the audience to share their own experiences and challenges in media literacy work.
The event transitioned into an Unconference, a structured way used to engage participants in discussions on topics meaningful to them. Attendees wrote down questions and themes they wanted to explore, including media literacy's relationship with algorithms and AI, the impact of banning platforms like TikTok in schools, strategies for improving financial literacy, engaging parents in media literacy, and fostering critical thinking in education, media education in childhood, among others.
Participants then joined groups to discuss some of those topics, with the option to change topic tables at the second round being "the flower or the butterfly—stay planted or explore multiple conversations." Most chose to stay put, finding the discussions so engaging that they preferred to remain with their initial groups throughout the two rounds. Afterward, the groups shared their insights on what they liked, learned, and wished for. Participants highlighted their appreciation for the open and safe environment that encouraged meaningful connections and diverse perspectives. The unconference format facilitated collaborative learning and the exchange of new ideas, particularly around building shared expertise in media literacy and education.
Reflections from Participants
Participants stressed the importance of expanding public outreach and discovered new initiatives in Rhode Island that connect with families. They learned about the power of language in media literacy education and noted that, despite progress, there remains some resistance. Discussions also explored how language can shape outcomes, create barriers, and how educators are bringing media literacy into classrooms. A shared commitment to student well-being and mental health emerged, highlighting a collective drive to make classrooms safer and more inclusive. Looking ahead, participants expressed a desire for more collaborative opportunities, easier ways to tackle challenges, and ongoing conversations. Many hoped for longer sessions, more frequent events, and creative platforms to share their insights, believing these steps could make a real difference. Below are some of the participants' reflections:
- "I liked hearing from different perspectives about different topics. I learned there are still people that care about education. I wish my students could realize their full potential."
- "I liked how open and safe the environment felt with fellow attendees. I learned that we need to get the info out to the public in a bigger way. I wish it was easier to address."
- "I liked hearing about the exciting projects for equitable media literacy. I learned that while we are actively working toward this, there are others working against it. I wish I could collaborate with the people I met."
These reflections encapsulate part of the spirit of the event, highlighting enthusiasm for continued dialogue and collaboration as media literacy grows in importance. Here’s a look at the incredible group of participants who made this event so memorable.
List of Attendees
Alex DeCiccio - University of Rhode Island
Alyson Marzini - Johnson & Wales University / Academic Administrative Coordinator, Center for Teaching & Learning
Andrew MacMannis - Rhode Island Education Collective, Chief Strategy Officer
Catherine Morris - Media Education Lab
Charles Morgan - Associate Professor CCRI
Christian Quinonez - SquashBusters Providence / Academic Program Manager
Cristin Searles Bilodeau - Interim Managing Director, Providence Children's Film Festival
John Palella - Brown University Director of Social Studies Education
Judanne Hamidzada - Community Libraries of Providence / Youth Services Coordinator
Kate Ray - Cranston High School West- Teacher
Kelly Houle - URI Education Specialist/Part-time Faculty
Khadijah Hilmy - High School Student
Lucia Delaroca
Michele Marques Pereira - University of São Paulo and ABPEducom
Moisés Galvão Batista - Harrington School of Communication
Pam Steager - Media Education Lab; State Coordinator, Media Literacy Now-RI
Renee Hobbs - Media Education Lab
Roberto Gonzalez - Executive Director, STEAM Box
Robin James - Adjunct Faculty
Sara Sweetman - URI / Professor
Sara Trudeau - Coordinator of Education Services, Rhode Island PBS and The Public's Radio
Shaun Kirby - Communications & Outreach Coordinator, RI NSF EPSCoR, University of Rhode Island
Tasha White - LMS Alfred Lima ES Providence
Tolani Olagundoye - URI/Clinical Assistant Professor
Wendy Gustavel - Rocky Hill Country Day School / Librarian & Instructional Facilitator
Yamaya Jean - Media Education Lab
Yomely Moreno - Nowell Academy - MLL Specialist
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