New University of Canberra Media Literacy short course launched

Canberra, 23 March: A research partnership between the University of Canberra (UC) and the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) has today resulted in the launch of the first Australian Media Literacy short course for library and information (LIS) Professionals.

Trish Hepworth, ALIA Director of Policy and Education said, ‘We are excited to see this first course launched which responds to the needs of the sector, as revealed through a UC survey of our Members in 2021. One of the key findings was that 73% of respondents believe libraries have a responsibility to educate others about media literacy.

 

‘Media literacy has always been important to our Members and this new course will help them to strengthen their skills in this area and perform their roles with greater confidence and resources.’ The News & Media Research Centre at UC has been conducting extensive research into news trust, misinformation and media literacy and, with support from ALIA, is pleased to offer the Media Literacy short course tailored to LIS professionals for the first time.

 

Sora Park, Professor in the News & Media Research Centre said, ‘Australian adults have low confidence in their ability to discern misinformation and have a strong desire to learn how to be safe online. This bespoke course will give librarians and library staff the opportunity to learn about media literacy and equip them to be able to deliver programs to their patrons.’

 

The 7-week, self-paced online Media Literacy course is aimed at those who teach media literacy to students and the public, including librarians, teacher librarians and other library staff such as library technicians or assistants and is now open for registration.

 

Participants will develop critical-thinking skills around the use of media and will encourage participants to consider educating others as they progress through course work. The course starts on Monday 2 May and runs through until Friday 17 June 2022.

 

For more information see the UC course page or contact: [email protected] or [email protected]