Ad Fontes Media offers free media literacy webinar series for educators

Teaching news literacy is difficult in the era of hyper-polarized media, but it’s sorely needed. So far 18 states have passed media literacy education laws, according to Media Literacy Now, with more following suit. If teachers are going to be required to teach media literacy, they need resources and we’re here to help with our new, free webinar series: “Teaching News Literacy in the Era of Hyper-Polarized Media.”

Teaching news literacy is really about teaching critical thinking, and the Media Bias Chart is a useful tool to help do just that. Our resources provide educators with guidance on how to use the chart effectively in the classroom, facilitating discussion, engaging through interesting activities and completing critical thinking exercises. 

Just as important, we provide a detailed methodology and criteria for evaluating bias and reliability of news sources. Going through this process helps students learn the importance of evidence-based analysis, the need to critically evaluate sources of information, and the value of being open to different perspectives. After all, we all have our blindspots. 

Lastly, the interactive nature and visual representation of the Media Bias Chart makes it easier for students to understand and compare the positioning of different news sources in relation to each other. It’s a clear visual reference point that helps students grasp the concepts of reliability and bias. 

This FREE three-part webinar series can be used for continuing education credit. We are offering a daytime series and an evening series for your convenience. A recording will be available for those who register but are unable to attend live.

Last year, more than 400 teachers attended our webinar for professional development. They learned how to use our methodology, how to diplomatically deal with complex political topics in the news, and how to use The Media Bias Chart in the classroom. 

Register now and don’t miss out!  

Evening Series – July 11, July 18 & July 25 @7-8:30pm EST 

Daytime Series – July 13, July 20 & July 27 @1-2:30pm EST

Jennifer Furlong – Jennifer (Jen) Furlong, Director of Communication & Analyst Manager, is a business owner, author, podcaster, and TEDx speaker/coach. She has 30 years of experience in the communication industry, 18 of them teaching in higher education. Jen is the President of Media Literacy Now, a Marine Corps veteran, and a first-generation college graduate with a B.A. and M.A. in Communication.