In this presentation, Renee Hobbs summarizes a university-school partnership that explored how media literacy and digital learning can support the development of cultural understanding about the peoples and cultures of the Middle East.

1. Understanding the “Other” through Media and Digital Learning Renee Hobbs Temple University, Media Education Lab Roberts Elementary School, Wayne PA Kuwait University Funded by a grant from the Alliance of Civilizations

2. Using Tools & Technology Resources Well Critical Analysis, Reflection & Ethics Teamwork & Problem- Solving Creativity & Expression Our Approach to Media Literacy

3. Assumptions and goals Media literacy concepts can support learning about the cultures and peoples of the Middle East Technology integration activities are more meaningful when connected to authentic texts and audiences Goal: explore the types of activities that help promote cultural understanding about the Middle East

5. Lessons on Visual Stereotypes of the Middle East

6. Research Activity: Learning about the Countries and Cultures of the Middle East

7. Film Screening and Visit from Filmmaker: “Santa Claus in Baghdad”

8. Class Wiki Pages Support Interaction with Students of Kuwait University

9. Students Produce Short Videos about Life in the United States to Share with Kuwait students

11. Create awareness of inaccuracies in understanding

12. Use inquiry to gain information about cultures

13. Express new knowledge about cultures

14. Strengthen emotional connectedness to the “other” through film and print narratives

15. Strengthen understanding of constructed nature of film

17. Attitudes of staff towards Middle East

18. Media literacy vs technology integration

19. Use of film for media literacy vs moral education

20. Differential technology skills among participants

22. Media Education Lab http://mediaeducationlab.com Contact: Renee HobbsTemple University School of Communication and TheaterMedia Education LabPhiladelphia, PA USAEmail: renee.hobbs@temple.eduPhone: 215 204 3255