On Monday evening, I was invited to present a brief overview of my research to the Associate Parlimentary Media Literacy Group (APMLG). This was actually the first time I’d set foot inside the House of Commons and I was very excited. What an amazing place! The meeting was focused on ways in which children could be helped to understand digital information.
Two of the other speakers were Marina Palomba, Media Smart Director and Legal Director of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising and Charlotte Hughes, Secretary of Media Smart. They spoke about the new Media Smart resources which are to be launched at the end of November.
Kristin Mason, Learning Executive of BBC Learning was also presenting and discussed the the BBC’s new media literacy website and forthcoming resources intended to help children use information ethically.
There was time for mince pies, mulled wine and interesting discussions before it was time to go. As I crossed over the river on my way home, my mind was filled with new thoughts about the way ARGs can provide engaging and meaningful contexts in which children can develop and demonstrate a critical understanding of the media through which the game is designed and played. I learnt more about the range and scope of the Media Smart materials and will certainly be investigating the BBC site further. It’s great to know that such useful materials and resources are availiable for teachers and children to use and develop. Certainly lots to reflect on….
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