School Guide
In today’s digital age, the classroom is no longer a sanctuary from the outside world, with smartphones and social media creating new challenges for students and educators alike. Recent studies reveal startling statistics: 97% of students use their phones during school hours for an average of 43 minutes daily (Common Sense Media), while 60% admit to spending around 10% of class time on their devices (Journal of Media Education). Teenagers are averaging nearly 7 hours a day on social media (American Psychological Association), and children aged 8-12 spend 4-6 hours daily online. These distractions are not just numbers—they translate into significant impacts on learning and classroom dynamics.
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Research highlights that students who refrain from using their phones during class write down 62% more information and achieve a full letter grade and a half higher on tests (The Impact of Mobile Phone Usage on Student Learning). Additionally, 35% of teens use their phones to cheat (Common Sense Media Constant Companion Report), and a troubling 87% of teachers report that bullying is a pervasive issue in schools, with 34% of middle school teachers identifying it as a major problem (National Education Association). Moreover, students who leave their phones behind before entering the classroom score markedly higher in comprehension assessments (Huey and Giguere, 2023).
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At TTMI, we are dedicated to enhancing media literacy and addressing these challenges head-on. Our mission is to equip students and educators with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in a digital world while minimizing distractions and fostering a more focused and inclusive learning environment.
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How Can We Combat This?
The only way to combat excessive phone usage among students is through media literacy. Introducing Media Literacy education trains students on media systems and the effects of attention economy on our brains. It teaches them how to navigate screens responsibly.
What is Media Literacy?
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At TTMI, we are dedicated to empowering young learners with the tools to responsibly create and consume media. Understanding how media systems function and influence our thoughts is key to navigating and critically assessing the information we encounter. By doing this, learners can take control of how media affects them and use it more thoughtfully.
Why is media literacy important?
Media Literacy is something that is essential to young (and adult) learners. It is not another thing entirely, but simply an extension of something we are already addressing in the classroom- literacy. In today’s age, there is no escaping media in various different forms, so it is vital to teach children how to navigate it with confidence. There is an abundance of misinformation online, so we must know how to ensure we are engaging with trustworthy sources and making judgements rooted in truth.
How can we incorporate this in the classroom?
Media literacy should be an ongoing part of your curriculum. Below is a list of resources for incorporating media literacy in the classroom.
NAMLE Media Literacy Resources for Educators
ISTE Standards for Media Literacy in the Classroom
IREX Media Literacy Trainer's Manual
Email us for more information on Take Two Media Initiative's PBL Approach to Media Literacy!
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