This page is hidden. Here’s my 618 word submission to Edutopia.
GUEST COLUMN for Edutopia by PBS TV Star – Steve Trash.
Media Masters Rock!: A Free Digital Literacy Campaign for K-8 Classrooms
In today’s digital world, students navigate an overwhelming flood of online content—some of it informative and useful, but much of it misleading, biased, or outright false. As educators, we have a responsibility to equip our students with the critical thinking skills they need to evaluate information, make responsible choices, and become ethical digital citizens. That’s why I created Media Masters Rock!, a free educational campaign designed to help K-8 students develop essential digital literacy skills in an engaging, effective way.
Why Digital Literacy Matters More Than Ever
Kids love the internet and social media, but the vast amount of misinformation, disinformation, and online noise makes it difficult for them to separate fact from fiction. Without guidance, students may fall victim to viral hoaxes, emotionally manipulative content, and harmful online behaviors. Media Masters Rock! provides teachers with the tools to empower students to think critically, ask the right questions, and engage with digital media responsibly.
A Comprehensive, Classroom-Ready Resource
The Media Masters Rock! campaign is divided into nine sections, making it easy for educators to integrate into existing curricula. These resources are designed to be engaging, standards-aligned, and immediately usable in classrooms. The campaign includes:
Educational Videos & Study Guides – Entertaining and informative lessons designed to spark discussion and reinforce critical thinking skills.
Lyric Videos & Activity Guides – Catchy, music-driven content to make key digital literacy concepts memorable.
Posters – Visual reminders for the classroom that reinforce core digital literacy principles.
Snaps Back Dance – A fun movement-based activity to engage students in learning.
Vocabulary Resources – Essential terms that help students better understand and discuss digital literacy topics.
Study Guides – Grade-specific K-8 guides to help educators maximize the impact of the campaign.
Additional Digital Literacy Resources – Further reading and tools for deeper exploration.
Teaching Kids to Think Before They Click
At the heart of Media Masters Rock! is a simple but powerful message: Think first, before you like, comment, or share.. Through fun and accessible materials, students learn to apply key digital literacy concepts such as:
Evaluating the credibility of online content
Understanding how social media platforms influence emotions and behavior
Recognizing misinformation and asking the right questions before sharing
Becoming responsible and ethical online participants
The campaign’s core lessons, such as It Snaps Back (understanding consequences of online actions), Who’s Getting the Candy? (analyzing motivations behind posts), and The AQBS Rule (Ask Questions, Be Skeptical), provide students with lifelong skills to navigate the digital world safely and wisely.
Free for Educators, Aligned with Standards
Designed initially for Alabama teachers, Media Masters Rock! aligns with digital literacy standards that are applicable across the U.S. and beyond. Because digital literacy education is a growing need in every classroom, I’ve made all Media Masters Rock! materials available for free to any educator who wants to use them.
This campaign is my way of giving back to teachers and students, ensuring that they have access to high-quality, fun, engaging digital literacy instruction without financial barriers.
Join the Movement
I believe that with the right guidance, students can become not just consumers of digital content, but thoughtful, ethical participants in the online world. With Media Masters Rock!, we have the opportunity to raise a generation of critical thinkers who approach the internet with curiosity, skepticism, and kindness.
Educators, I invite you to explore these free resources and bring Media Masters Rock! into your classroom. Together, we can help students develop the skills they need to thrive in the digital age.
To access the full suite of materials, visit www.mediamastersrock.org. Let’s make the internet a better place—one informed student at a time.