MEDIA LITERACY IS FOR EVERYONE
This in-person event features the experiences and perspectives of Rhode Island educators and community members, offering an opportunity to gather with people who are leading the way to advance Media Literacy in Rhode Island.
DATE: Tuesday, October 22
TIME: 5:00-7:00 PM
LOCATION: This is an in-person event at Rhode Island PBS, Providence RI
RSVP: This event is open to the public. Please complete this form to join us!
The Media Literacy is for Everyone event is part of National Media Literacy Week.
Click here to see a list of Rhode Island Media Literacy Week events, opportunities, and resources.
Key Insights from the Event
With questions like "Why does Media Literacy matter in Rhode Island?" and "What does Media Literacy look like in your space?" the Media Literacy is for Everyone event kicked off during the 10th annual Media Literacy Week in the United States, hosted by NAMLE. Held in person on October 22, the event brought together 28 educators, researchers, and community members to discuss and advance media literacy in Rhode Island. This gathering, filled with insightful discussions, gave participants the opportunity to connect with those leading efforts in the field, making the 90 minutes pass too quickly. As one attendee expressed, “I wish I could have more time with these amazing people.”
The event, a collaboration between the Media Education Lab, Rhode Island PBS, and The Public's Radio, began with a welcome from Pam Johnston (Rhode Island PBS) and continued with sessions led by Pam Steager and Renee Hobbs (Media Education Lab). Speakers Roberto Gonzalez (STEAM Box), John Palella (Brown University), Kate Ray (Cranston High School West), and Sarah Sweetman (University of Rhode Island) shared experiences ranging from producing TV content for PBS to leading community-focused media projects. Their stories encouraged attendees to reflect on their own experiences and challenges in media literacy.
The event transitioned into an “Unconference,” allowing participants to guide the conversation based on their interests. Topics included media literacy’s relationship with AI, the effects of TikTok bans in schools, and strategies to foster critical thinking in classrooms. Attendees joined discussions in small groups, with the option to change topic tables at the second round, with most choosing to stay with their initial conversations, highlighting their depth and engagement. At the end of the discussions, participants shared what they liked, learned, and wished for, appreciating the collaborative, open atmosphere.
The event highlighted the need for broader public outreach and the power of language in media literacy education, despite some resistance. Attendees emphasized the importance of student well-being, a desire for more collaboration, and ongoing discussions. Many hoped for more time, frequent gatherings, and new ways to continue these important conversations.
As one participant put it, "I liked hearing about the exciting projects for equitable media literacy. I learned that while we are actively working toward this, there are others working against it. I wish I could collaborate with the people I met." This reflection captures part of the spirit of the event, highlighting enthusiasm for continued dialogue and collaboration as media literacy grows in importance. Here’s a look at the incredible group of participants who made this event so memorable.
List of Attendees:
Alex DeCiccio - University of Rhode Island
Alyson Marzini - Johnson & Wales University / Academic Administrative Coordinator, Center for Teaching & Learning
Andrew MacMannis - Rhode Island Education Collective, Chief Strategy Officer
Catherine Morris - Media Education Lab
Charles Morgan - Associate Professor CCRI
Christian Quinonez - SquashBusters Providence / Academic Program Manager
Cristin Searles Bilodeau - Interim Managing Director, Providence Children's Film Festival
John Palella - Brown University Director of Social Studies Education
Judanne Hamidzada - Community Libraries of Providence / Youth Services Coordinator
Kate Ray - Cranston High School West- Teacher
Kelly Houle - URI Education Specialist/Part-time Faculty
Khadijah Hilmy - High School Student
Lucia Delaroca - Rhode Island College
Michele Marques Pereira - University of São Paulo and ABPEducom
Moisés Galvão Batista - Harrington School of Communication
Pam Steager - Media Education Lab; State Coordinator, Media Literacy Now-RI
Renee Hobbs - Media Education Lab
Roberto Gonzalez - Executive Director, STEAM Box
Robin James - Adjunct Faculty
Sara Sweetman - URI / Professor
Sara Trudeau - Coordinator of Education Services, Rhode Island PBS and The Public's Radio
Shaun Kirby - Communications & Outreach Coordinator, RI NSF EPSCoR, University of Rhode Island
Tasha White - LMS Alfred Lima ES Providence
Tolani Olagundoye - URI/Clinical Assistant Professor
Wendy Gustavel - Rocky Hill Country Day School / Librarian & Instructional Facilitator
Yamaya Jean - Media Education Lab
Yomely Moreno - Nowell Academy - MLL Specialist