Digital Native or Digitally Naïve? Generation Z and Digital Media Literacy

Description:

The fight against misinformation or fighting for information? Today, everyone up to the age of 25 is considered a “digital native.” But when it comes to distinguishing facts from fiction, too many Gen Zers (AND older generations!) are digitally naïve. Digital media literacy is a crucial skill in navigating today’s polarized media and social media landscape.

Considering the urgency of a well-informed citizenry in the digital space, this workshop will:

• introduce essential tools of Digital Media Literacy
  
• cover different types of mis- and dis-information and how to identify them
  
• explore how to incorporate Digital Media Literacy into our classroom settings
  
• provide an understanding of different online platforms (what they do, their goals/objectives, their abilities and limits)
  

Furthermore, we will investigate values, attitudes, motivations, perceptions and habits unique to Gen Z, and explore what Gen Z can teach us about the art of living in a digital age. This workshop will be led in a combination of both English and German.

Presenter:

Rhea van der Horst - Rhea joined the GASPA team in 2015. She is excited to share her passion for language with her students and enjoys working with students of all ages and different cultural backgrounds. Born in the Netherlands and educated in Germany, Rhea studied Political Science and Philosophy at the Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich. Prior to moving to the US, Rhea has worked for several years as a journalist in Germany. This has shaped her interest promoting Digital Media Literacy.