PDA Event: Building Foundations for Future Success in AI and Media Literacy
This session explores how K–12 media specialists and academic librarians can work together to build strong, sustainable pathways for AI and media literacy. The program highlights shared challenges, practical teaching strategies, and collaborative tools that support students as they move from foundational learning through higher education and beyond.
Participants learn how these partnerships can strengthen critical thinking, ethical AI and media use, and research skills throughout a lifetime. We offer real‑world examples and easy starting points for anyone interested in creating a connected, future‑ready learning community.
Presenters:
Brooke Becker, MLIS, serves as the Media Literacy Librarian and subject liaison to Communication Studies, Political Science & Public Administration, and Psychology, Ms. Becker is the co-author of the article "The Rise of AI and the Evolution of the Academic Librarian" as well as two forthcoming book chapters dealing with media literacy and faculty/K-12 partnerships. Ms. Becker is passionate about travel, her scrappy furball friends, and ensuring media and AI literacy become as well-known and popular as the Eras Tour.
Summer Upton spent two decades in Alabama public high schools as a classroom teacher and library media specialist before joining the faculty of UAB Libraries in 2024. She holds degrees in secondary English language arts education and P-12 library media. She currently serves as Reference Librarian for Education and Educational Technology and liaison to the UAB School of Education and Human Sciences. Ms. Upton loves spending time with her nieces and nephews, reading children's and young adult books, traveling as much as her budget allows, and caring for her geriatric cat Scout.
Hosted by FLVC