Empowering Digital Citizens: Media Literacy and Critical Thinking in the Age of Edtech

This session equips educators and librarians with the tools and strategies needed to support students in becoming ethical, informed, and empowered digital citizens. As technology continues to evolve, so must our approach to teaching media literacy and digital ethics in both classroom and community settings. Using the Future Ready Framework as a guide, this session will: Explore how media literacy intersects with family engagement and student-centered learning. Share practical ways to embed digital citizenship, critical thinking, and responsible AI use into daily instruction. Showcase free tools like The Achievery and AT&T Connected Learning Centers to enhance digital literacy education. Discuss strategies for navigating misinformation, evaluating digital content, and fostering safe and inclusive online behaviors. Provide real-world examples and adaptable lesson ideas that can be immediately used in schools and family learning programs. Participants will leave with: Free, ready-to-use digital literacy and media education resources Strategies to involve families in conversations about digital safety and online responsibility Insights into using digital tools to build student voice, agency, and equity in learning environments