(Image Credit: D. Chandramowli, CC BY-SA 2.0)
Considerations for building an inclusive and supportive Media Education environment
- Exposure: ensure that students are exposed to a variety of web-based tools for collaboration and creativity
- Choice: ensure that students have a say in their choices of tools when demonstrating their learning
- Guidance: model the appropriate use of digital tools prior to independent work (gradual release)
- Social Norms: emphasize on the importance of positive work space (online forums) as well as privacy issues
- Intellectual property: Model and explicitly teach the importance of respecting intellectual properties (ie. creative common) as well as the legality around remixing, mashing up, etc.
- Constructive Feedback: frequent and positive feedback as opposed to an evaluative mark throughout the learning experience; guide, rather than simply judge
- Accessibility & Equity: allow time to explore the tools as often as possible; permit the use of personal technology to enhance learning in the classroom
- Parent communication: ensure that parents are aware of what we are exploring in the classroom; allow opportunities to engage in dialogue with parents so they can also support the learning through new media at home
