Page 42 - MIL Syllabus and Lesson Plans

Key media and information literacy terms with their definitions:

Media literacy: The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media messages in various forms.
Information literacy: The ability to recognize when information is needed, locate and evaluate

sources, and effectively use the information to accomplish a specific goal.
Critical thinking: The ability to objectively analyze and evaluate information, ideas, and arguments,

considering evidence and logical reasoning.
Bias: The inclination or prejudice for or against a particular perspective or group, which can influence
the presentation of information.
Credibility: The degree to which a source or information is considered trustworthy, reliable, and

accurate.
Source evaluation: The process of assessing the credibility, authority, and reliability of a source of
information.

Fact-checking: The process of verifying the accuracy and truthfulness of claims and statements
through research and cross-referencing reliable sources.
Primary source: Original sources of information or data that provide firsthand evidence or direct

documentation of an event, person, or topic.
Secondary source: Sources that analyze, interpret, or summarize primary sources, often providing
commentary or analysis on a particular topic.

Confirmation bias: The tendency to seek, interpret, and favor information that confirms preexisting
beliefs or opinions, while ignoring or dismissing conflicting information.
Media literacy skills: The competencies and abilities required to access, analyze, evaluate, and create
media content effectively.

Digital literacy: The ability to use digital technology, including devices, software, and online platforms,
to find, evaluate, and create digital information.
Propaganda: Information, often biased or misleading, designed to shape public opinion or promote a

particular agenda.
Misinformation: False or inaccurate information that is spread unintentionally.

Disinformation: False or misleading information that is intentionally spread to deceive or manipulate
people.
Confirmation bias: The tendency to interpret or seek out information in a way that confirms

preexisting beliefs or biases.
Clickbait: Sensational or misleading headlines or content designed to attract attention and encourage
clicks.

Filter bubble: The phenomenon where individuals are only exposed to information and perspectives
that align with their existing beliefs or preferences, due to algorithms and personalized content.
Algorithm: A set of rules or procedures used by computers to perform specific tasks, such as filtering

and recommending content based on user preferences and behavior.

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