Digital Literacies and 21st Century Skills

Hosted by EdTech @ AdelphiU

Technology Education

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Episodes

113

Latest episode

Apr 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Podcast for the Digital Literacies and 21st Century Skills course at Adelphi University's Educational Technology program.

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60 recent

April 30, 2026Episode 11221 min

Crowdsourcing Wikipedia (Elizabeth)

Elizabeth explains Wikipedia’s “Women in Red” edit-a-thons, where editors work to turn red links (missing pages) into blue links, focusing on gaps in women’s, especially Black women’s, representation and the notability bias that can lead to women’s pages being challenged or rejected. She highlights the effort required to build articles and contrasts Wikipedia’s open, long-form editing and evolving norms with faster crowdsourced fact-checking, where groups average quick judgments. The episode reviews arguments for Wikipedia’s growing credibility through conflict, editor attrition, and institutional change, and discusses why academics still undervalue Wikipedia due to vandalism concerns and student plagiarism. She then covers a study suggesting crowds can rate flagged news as effectively as professional fact-checkers, while noting risks like bias and manipulation, and connects crowdsourcing to citizen science examples such as monarch butterfly tracking and iNaturalist urban biodiversity logging.ReferencesMonarch Watch. (2026). Monarch Watch tagging program. https://monarchwatch.org/tagging/NPR. (2026, April 23). In cities, wild things are hiding everywhere if you put on your “nature eyes”. https://www.npr.org/2026/04/23/nx-s1-5787828/in-cities-wild-things-are-hiding-everywhere-if-you-put-on-your-nature-eyes

April 22, 2026Episode 11120 min

K-Pop Twitter Fandoms and Online Communities (Alina and Ricardo)

Ricardo and Alina introduce their first “Think of a Bobble” podcast episode and discuss how social media shapes K-pop fandom communities and identity across linguistic barriers. They describe how Twitter’s reduced language barriers enable Korean, American, and other fans to interact, and how intense “stan” culture can become defensive or even dangerous, including doxxing, stalking, and parasocial behavior toward idols. Alina summarizes an article on K-pop stan Twitter as a community of practice where fans interact, learn, share ideas, and form connections. They also review a second article on Twitter as a professional learning community in medical education, using survey findings to illustrate how online communities form around shared purposes and can replace physical learning spaces, especially after COVID.Click here to view the episode transcript. ReferencesMalik, Z., & Haidar, S. (2023). Online community development through social interaction: K-pop stan Twitter as a community of practice. Interactive Learning Environments, 31(2), 733–751. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2020.1805773Zheng, B., & Dallaghan, G. B. (2022). A Twitter-facilitated professional learning community: Online participation, connectedness, and satisfaction. BMC Medical Education, 22, Article 577. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-022-03639-6

April 15, 2026Episode 11021 min

Social Media & Learning (Catherine and Nicole)

In this episode, we talk about how social media impacts learning, and whether it is helping or hurting us. We expand and connect ideas from our readings, video, and real life experiences, such as learning from TikTok or YouTube. We also dive into how fast information spreads online, and how hard it can be to tell what is true. It is a mix of class concepts, informational prompts, and an interesting take on our own perspectives on learning in a digital world.Click here to view the episode transcript. ReferencesGreenhow, C., Sonnevend, J., & Agur, C. (Eds.). (2016). Education and social media: Toward a digital future. MIT Press.Lorenz, T. (2024, April 12). Is social media destroying kids’ mental health? [Video]. YouTube.Ünlüsoy, A., Leander, K. M., & de Haan, M. (2022). Rethinking sociocultural notions of learning in the digital era: Understanding the affordances of networked platforms. Learning, Media and Technology, 47(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1177/20427530211032302Weaver, J. (2020, September 27). What Netflix’s The Social Dilemma gets wrong about Big Tech. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/netflix-social-dilemma-tech-1.5740351

April 8, 2026Episode 10929 min

Navigating Misinformation and Disinformation (Ayanna and Brady)

Ayana and Brady discuss disinformation, using the Trump administration’s claims about an Iranian nuclear threat as an example, and distinguish disinformation (deliberate falsehoods meant to confuse or influence) from misinformation (unintentional falsehoods). They debate accountability, noting free speech protections and proposing that government officials and media should face legal consequences for lying to the public, while also acknowledging limited public power and concerns about paid, undisclosed promotion. They also address growing difficulty identifying AI-generated images and videos, and worry that early internet access and school technology make children especially vulnerable.Click here to view the episode transcript. ReferencesBulger, M., & Davison, P. (2018). The promises, challenges, and futures of media literacy. Journal of Media Literacy Education, 10(1), 1-21.Robertson, L., & Farley, R. (2026, March 3). Assessing Trump’s claims on Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. FactCheck.org. https://www.factcheck.org/2026/03/assessing-trumps-claims-on-irans-nuclear-and-missile-capabilities/Spies, S. (2019, October 22). Defining disinformation. MediaWell. https://mediawell.ssrc.org/research-reviews/defining-disinformation/

December 1, 2025Episode 10734 min

Anti-Social Media (Crystal and Michelle)

In this bonus episode, Crystal teams up with her best friend Michelle to tackle a topic of what social media is really doing to us, and especially to kids. They discuss the alarming amount of time we're glued to our screens, how it's messing with kids' ability to self-regulate and connect face-to-face, and how parents' scrolling habits are part of the problem too. ReferencesAmbrosi, D. (2023, March 6). The battle for your time: Exposing the costs of social media | Dino Ambrosi | TEDxLagunaBlancaSchool [Video]. TEDx Talks. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TMPXK9tw5UAtske, S. (2025, October 8). Appendix: Detailed tables. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/10/08/parents-kids-screens-appendix-detailed-tables/

November 12, 2025Episode 10616 min

Our Virtual Connections (Crystal and Raania)

In this week's podcast, Crystal and Rasnia explore the concept of virtual communities, sharing their personal experiences and discussing the profound impact of these communities on mental health, personal growth, and societal changes. They delve into how virtual communities facilitate connections between people with shared interests, offering support and new perspectives. The episode also touches on the influence of virtual communities on real-world practices, particularly in alternative education and parenting. They conclude by appreciating the positive aspects of virtual communities and their role in fostering progress and inspiration.ReferencesMalik, Z., & Haidar, S. (2020). Online community development through social interaction — K-Pop stan twitter as a community of practice. Interactive Learning Environments, 31(2), 733–751. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2020.1805773Lorenz, T. (2024, April 12). Is social media destroying kids mental health? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS1wax3KjnA

November 5, 2025Episode 10529 min

The Impact of Social Media (Alexa and MacKenzie)

In this week’s podcast, we focused on the impact social media has on upcoming generations and its larger effect on society as a whole. In our discussion, we dive into 3 main topics: different social media platforms, how social media affects mental health, and the different affordances and constraints that come with living in the age of social media. Social Media encompasses a lot of different aspects, both positive and negative, which we are excited to talk about with you today!ReferencesFaverio, M. (2025, April 22). Teens, social media and mental health. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/04/22/teens-social-media-and-mental-health/Lorenz, T. (2024, April 12). Is social media destroying kids’ mental health? // Power User podcast [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXXXXXXOrlowski, J. (Director). (2020). The Social Dilemma [Film]. Netflix. https://www.netflix.com/watch/81904443Ünlüsoy, A., Leander, K. M., & de Haan, M. (2022). Rethinking sociocultural notions of learning in the digital era: Understanding the affordances of networked platforms. Learning, Media and Technology, 47(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1177/20427530211032302Weaver, J. (2020, September 27). What Netflix’s The Social Dilemma gets wrong about Big Tech. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/netflix-social-dilemma-tech-1.5740351

October 29, 2025Episode 10424 min

Decoding the Digital Mess (Kayla and Kelly)

In this episode, hosts Kayla and Kelly dive into the digital mess that is Disinformation. While discussing disinformation, we explore our experiences with disinformation, why it happens, who spreads it, and how we can combat it. We reference Bulger and Davison’s article, “The Promises, Challenges, and Futures of Media Literacy” as well as, Samuel Spies’, "Producers of Disinformation”. Our discussion emphasizes the importance of media literacy and how it can be integrated into core subjects in schools. We address the harmful impacts of spreading disinformation and some advice for students growing up in the digital age. ReferencesBulger, M., & Davison, P. (2018). The promises, challenges, and futures of media literacy. Journal of Media Literacy Education, 10(1), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.23860/jmle-2018-10-1-1Hobbs, R., Moen, M., Tang, R., & Steager, P. (2022). Measuring the implementation of media literacy statewide: A validation study. Educational Media International, 59(3), 189–208. https://doi.org/10.1080/09523987.2022.2136083Spies, S. (2020, October 27). Defining “disinformation.” Social Science Research Council, MediaWell. https://mediawell.ssrc.org/literature-reviews/defining-disinformation

October 22, 2025Episode 10315 min

The Misinformation Podcast (Aleah and Dana)

The Misinformation podcast, hosted by Aleah and Dana, explores how misinformation has become more present in our everyday lives than ever before. We've included soundbites and other references to enrich the discussion. Our conversation begins with a reflection on how people communicated before the internet. We then introduce several theories, touching on concepts like echo chambers, filter bubbles, selective perspective, and the liar’s dividend. Finally, we offer suggestions for educators, including games and activities that can help students build awareness around these issues.ReferencesAustralian Broadcasting Corporation. (n.d.). Spotting misinformation + disinformation – ABC Education. https://games.abc.net.au/education/interactive-lessons/misinformation-disinformation/Brashier, N. M., & Schacter, D. L. (2020). Aging in an era of fake news. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 29(3), 316–323. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721420915872Gusmanson. (n.d.). Bad News – Play the fake news game! [Browser game]. https://www.getbadnews.com/enPBS NewsHour. (2025, June 18). How misinformation spread after Minnesota lawmaker’s murder [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/r5a6zUms3dU?si=mwAtfCgTB4gcvp7u

October 8, 2025Episode 10216 min

Teaching and Learning with AI (Jillian and Megan)

In this episode, we will discuss Teaching with AI by José Antonio Bowen and C. Edward Watson (2024), focusing on Chapter 3, “AI Literacy,” and Chapter 4, “Reimagining Creativity.” The conversation explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping both the way we think and the way we create. Through a reflective dialogue, the hosts unpack what it means to be truly AI literate, not just technically skilled, but critically thoughtful, curious, and reflective. They consider how AI can serve as both a collaborator and a challenge to human creativity, echoing Bowen and Watson’s idea that literacy and creativity are interconnected. The discussion also weaves in insights from Kevin Roose’s New York Times article, “Everyone Is Using A.I. for Everything. Is That Bad?” (2024), which raises important questions about overreliance on AI and the need to preserve the human element in art, learning, and innovation. Ultimately, this episode invites listeners to reflect on their own relationship with technology and asks: How can we stay human in an increasingly artificial world?ReferencesBowen, J. A., & Watson, C. E. (2024). Teaching with AI: A practical guide to a new era of human learning. Johns Hopkins University Press.Roose, K. (2024, April 8). Everyone is using A.I. for everything. Is that bad? The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/08/technology/artificial-intelligence-everywhere.html