PP3: Digital and Media Literacy

 In an era dominated by digital media, social platforms, and constant streams of information, the ability to analyze and evaluate media critically is essential. However, the skill of media literacy is often under-taught, leaving students vulnerable to misinformation, bias, and manipulation. Project Look Sharp, a media literacy initiative developed at Ithaca College, seeks to address this challenge by providing free resources to help educators integrate critical media analysis into their curriculum. The motive behind Project Look Sharp, is fostering media literacy, and its broader impact on education and society.

Project Look Sharp is a nonprofit media literacy initiative based at Ithaca College’s School of Humanities and Sciences. Founded in 1996, it offers educators across grade levels (K–12 and college) free access to curriculum kits, professional development workshops, and multimedia teaching tools. The project’s main objective is to help students think critically about the messages conveyed through traditional and digital media. Instead of simply consuming information, students learn to question, evaluate, and discuss media in a thoughtful and analytical way.

Rather than treating media literacy as a standalone subject, Project Look Sharp encourages educators to embed media analysis within standard subjects such as history, science, and English. For example, a history teacher might use political cartoons or historical propaganda posters to discuss bias and intent. A science teacher could explore how environmental issues are portrayed differently in mainstream media. By integrating media literacy into various disciplines, the project ensures that students not only absorb academic content but also develop essential thinking skills that transcend the classroom.

Project Look Sharp provides curriculum kits that include:

Primary source media documents (videos, advertisements, social media content, etc.)

Teacher guides with discussion questions and learning outcomes

Assessment tools for evaluating student understanding

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Project Look Sharp exemplifies how media literacy can be meaningfully and practically integrated into everyday classroom learning. It equips students with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex media landscape with skepticism, awareness, and confidence. As the digital world continues to evolve, programs like Project Look Sharp are not just beneficial—they are necessary for preparing the next generation of critical thinkers and responsible citizens.