Accessing and using media is a fundamental skill for youth today – and so is the ability to analyze and evaluate that media critically. Strong media literacy skills allow kids to properly interpret the information they find, especially on the internet.
We support students’ online research, for both school and personal interest, by providing access to informed sources and expertise. Check out the digital resources, outreach programs, and other articles below to help your children and students learn to consume, share, and produce media thoughtfully and responsibly.
Engage with Canadian history and culture with over 60,000 multimedia items, including articles, videos, images, and maps. Delve deeper into topics with education guides, curated exhibits, timelines, classroom resources, quizzes and study guides.
Use this resource to find maps of Canada, information about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a glossary of Indigenous terms, contemporary and historical photography, and more.
Learn about science, nature, culture, archaeology, and space. Read the complete National Geographic Kids magazine, as well as eBooks, videos, and images.
Go behind the headlines of today's news, explore biographies of important people, find resources, interactive maps, articles and videos by topic and more.
Search encyclopedia articles, interactive maps, timelines, and images. Browse historical events, topic pathways and resource guides.
Learn about famous scientists and research topics in applied sciences, biology, chemistry, earth science, energy, and astronomy in journal articles, ebooks, and images.
Interact with live tutors in Alberta curriculum (K to 12) subjects daily. Get constructive feedback on your writing in the writing lab, and submit your homework questions for expert help.
From science and math to social studies and English, Solaro follows the Alberta curriculum and provides online access to the same information found in The Key study guides. (Grade 3-12)
Lateral Reading: Verifying information as you read it. This can be done by leaving the website and looking at other sites to make sure the original source is reliable and authentic.
Critical observation: Using critical thinking to look more carefully at images and think about where those images were taken.
Reverse Image Search: A digital investigative technique used to find the original source of photographs.
Geolocation: Verifying the location of online information.
Misinformation: Information that is inadvertently incorrect and not intended to mislead people.
Disinformation: Information and the distribution of information that is deliberately incorrect or deceptive with the intention of spreading a false message.
Propaganda: Information with an agenda. Its intention is to persuade and will often contain an unnecessary positive spin.
Fake News: A term used to refer to information that is intentionally false. This term has been politicized to refer to information that one does not agree with, regardless of the validity of the information.
Fact-checking: The process of verifying information to determine its correctness.
Was it a company? Was it an individual? (If so, who?) Was it a comedian? Was it an artist? Was it an anonymous source? Why do you think that?
Was it to inform you of something that happened in the world (for example, a news story)? Was it to change your mind or behaviour (an opinion essay or a how-to)? Was it to make you laugh (a funny meme)? Was it to get you to buy something (an ad)? Why do you think that?
Is it for kids? Grown-ups? Girls? Boys? People who share a particular interest? Why do you think that?
Does it have statistics from a reputable source? Does it contain quotes from an expert? Does it have an authoritative-sounding voice-over? Is there direct evidence of the claims it’s making? Why do you think that?
Is the information balanced with different views — or does it present only one side? Do you need more information to fully understand the message? Why do you think that?
Do you think others might feel the same way? Would everyone feel the same, or would certain people disagree with you? Why do you think that?
Claudia Haines' guide for working with children and families to boost media literacy.
An article by Melanie Kletter from School Library Journal.
Books to support teachers and parents as they help their kids navigate the digital world.
CIA Analyst Cindy L. Otis shares a guide to spotting fake news.
A non-profit organization dedicated to providing trustworthy information and an independent voice to kids and families.
Curriculums that teach kids the fundamentals of digital citizenship and safety so they can explore the online word with confidence.
Canadian non-profit organization developing digital and media literacy resources for families, students and educators, and communities.
Tin Eye is a reverse image search engine to help users determine the original source of an image.
The definitive Internet reference source for researching urban legends, folklore, myths, rumors, and misinformation.
Tools and resources to help educators, students, and the public learn to identify credible information, recognize misinformation, and navigate the digital age.
