Systematic review: Characteristics and outcomes of in-school digital media literacy interventions, 2010-2021

Abstract

ABSTRACT This systematic review examines characteristics and outcomes of interventions for teaching digital media literacy in the educational system. Despite the development of media technology and the importance ascribed to digital media literacy as one of the critical skills for the 21st century, this study reveals that little research has been carried out evaluating interventions for teaching digital media literacy in schools. The successful intervention outcomes identified in this review include an increased understanding of media content and greater awareness of media influence, a more critical approach to media, increases in feelings of competency and empowerment with regard to media use, increases in digital media content production skills, and reduction in excessive or risky media use. The review finds that more consistent positive outcomes were associated with younger target audiences, the incorporation of a practical component within the intervention, and the extended duration or higher number of sessions of intervention administration. The studies reviewed identified some challenges to achieving successful outcomes in such interventions, namely that media technologies are an intrinsic part of children’s everyday lives today.