Using Media Literacy to Teach and Learn the English Language Arts/Literacy

Abstract

Forty-three states out of fifty states in the United States of America have adopted the Common Core State Standards in English language arts/literacy as a means of setting attainment levels of what students should know at different benchmarks during their schooling. The Common Core State Standards will be viewed through the lens of how they can be taught and learned by utilizing digital literacy media. This chapter will discuss how the goals of digital media literacy are aligned with the Common Core State Standards, how resources can be used to teach teachers and school district personnel about the Common Core State Standards, and finally how digital media can aid in helping students learn the standards and can aid in helping community members learn and then teach these standards. This chapter will conclude with questions and controversies about the Common Core State Standards and how media literacy education can alleviate many of the fears and challenges associated with the growing debate on this topic.