Media literacy coalition in California brings MisinfoDay, first developed in Washington state, to the Golden State

Inspired by the annual MisinfoDay co-organized through a statewide partnership between the University of Washington’s Center for an Informed Public and Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, a local media literacy coalition in Monterey County, California adapted the educational program to host the first MisinfoDay in the Golden State on May 7.

Nearly 100 students from six high schools in Monterey County participated in MisinfoDay California workshops on algorithmic bias and identifying fake or misleading online information, and interactive activities, including a misinformation “escape room” style game developed by the CIP-led Loki’s Loop team at the UW Information School. 

The Media Literacy Coalition in Monterey County, led by local journalist and community activist Susan Meister, includes educators, news organizations, community stakeholders and public officials.

Jim Boren, the former executive editor of the Fresno Bee and current executive director of the Fresno State Institute for Media and Public Trust, wrote in a blog post: “The students had no prior formal media literacy skills, yet they embraced the training with remarkable ease. In watching this event, I knew that this generation of students can be taught media literacy skills that they can pass on to their classmates, family members and friends. They represent a generation of hope at a time when misinformation on the internet seems overwhelming.”

Please help put parents in charge of their child’s education by forwarding this article to other parents, family, friends and voters.