Research and cite national technology standards for students and teachers specific to your case and field. Most field-specific standards build upon work by the NETS project in the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE.) For example, if you are an English as a second language (ESL) instructor, then the Global Education Association of Teachers of English as a Second Language (TESOL) technology standards for students and teachers that are based on the NETS framework may be helpful. Also examine the efforts of other relevant organizations, such as the National Telemedia Council and the Alliance for a Media Literate America, which advocate best practices and research on the best ways to achieve media literacy.
Communicate a clear definition of media literacy. Expand traditional definitions of print literacy to include not just new forms of visual and electronic texts such as television, film, computers and the Internet but also the development of critical thinking and progressive expression. In the book "Theory of Media Literacy: A Cognitive Approach," for example, author W. James Potter compiles definitions of media literacy, including The New Mexico Media Literacy Project statement that “media literacy education seeks to give media consumers greater freedom by teaching them to analyze, access, evaluate, and produce media.” One of the most important objectives of media literacy is the development of critical readers and viewers.
Present specific lesson plans, learning activities and tasks that use technology appropriately to meet curricular objectives. Find books, lesson plan articles and websites with examples of curricular methods to integrate media literacy in schools, such as the Center for Media Literacy's website, which contains a large archive of material about media literacy, information about courses and links to additional media literacy websites, including specific links for teachers and students. The Media Literacy Clearinghouse website also contains many links to lesson plans, articles and ideas for teaching media literacy divided by topic.
Demonstrate clear standards, rubrics and sets of working criteria for evaluating the appropriateness of commercial media websites and products for integration into curricula and use by students. This criteria also should work to assess the media productions of your students. Include lists of technological resources and environments validated as appropriate, such as the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) website's teacher source for media literacy. It contains material linked to specific PBS programs and lesson plans that can be adapted for a use independent of PBS programming.
Demonstrate the ultimate value of media literacy and technology to support autonomy and lifelong learning. Highlight the elements of your school’s mission statement or program objectives that align with a media literacy curricula that encourages critical thinking and free expression and also inspires active participation in society. Tap into your passion as an educator to convey that students who are encouraged to create independent media become a significant part of culture and democratic society.