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Community Outreach
Outreach workshops with
Pittsburgh-area high schools
show increase in media literacy
By Stacey Federoff, CMI Graduate Assistant
New survey data from the High
School Workshops hosted by the Center
for Media Innovation showed an increase
in student participants’ media literacy and
fake news awareness.
With about 50 students participating from
four different high schools this fall, students
were surveyed prior to each workshop,
then given the same survey afterward.
As part of each workshop, students learn
from a session to discuss these media
literacy topics.
When reviewing the survey results, respondents
reported a better understanding of
news when compared to information, facts
versus opinions, what makes something
news or newsworthy and how to spot fake
news. All questions showed an improvement
in the number of students who
“agree” or “strongly agree” on a five-point
scale.
In the spring, the CMI was able to host one
workshop with Brentwood High School,
which featured a social justice-focused live
podcast recording with Point Park professor
Dr. Robert Ross. Four other sessions
were scheduled, but had to be cancelled
because of the COVID-19 coronavirus shutdown
that closed the CMI and the rest of
Point Park’s campus.
This is the second year the CMI has hosted
these workshops for groups of about 20
students from individual Pittsburgh-area high
schools.
Students participate in a hands-on session
in the TV studio and control room, as well as
the media literacy session, podcast recording
and information about applying to Point
Park from the university’s admissions office.
Participating classrooms become CMI Affiliate
Schools and are welcome to shared resources,
as well as content from recorded and
livestreamed events.
“ I love this! I’m the media
teacher at Westinghouse
Arts Academy. We haven’t
been able to participate
in the live sessions due to
bussing. These digital ones
are perfect! Our school is
still in session and working
online. I would love to
leverage these sessions
as part of our curriculum.
Please keep them coming.”
- Elizabeth Speed
Photo by Stacey Federoff
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