Teaching Algorithmic Literacy within a Media Literacy Program

Abstract

The prevalence of algorithms in daily life and the growing role of algorithms in societal decision making and governance has led to a call for teaching algorithmic literacy as a specific part of media and digital literacy. Several researchers have recently attempted to define algorithmic literacy and proposed scales to measure algorithmic knowledge; initial results indicate a widespread lack of awareness of and knowledge about algorithms, even in high-technology countries. Thus, teachers and instructors need to develop lesson plans that inform about algorithms and engage critical thinking and discussion about their role in our lives. However, this is a challenging topic. This article reviews literature on the need for and definition of algorithmic literacy and suggests steps instructors and teachers can take learn and teach about algorithms, including a list of recommended resources.