The Neag School of Education will host the 11th annual Northeast Media Literacy Conference, “Media Literacy in a Digital Information Age” on Friday, April 19 in the Rome Ballroom, South Campus, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This year’s event will emphasize closely examining the key relationship between today’s digital media, the impact of new technology, the need to help youth develop skills to understand and interpret media, and other important digital media issues affecting schools, communities, and youth-oriented organization

“The Northeast Media Literacy Conference has been recognized for over a decade as a key annual meeting of media literacy leaders and enthusiasts to learn and share with each other,” said Dr. Thomas B. Goodkind, conference creator and coordinator and a Neag School of Education professor of curriculum and instruction. “The program usually features two keynote speakers — recognized national experts in the field — as well as over a dozen workshops led by innovative theorists, practitioners and researchers in media literacy and technology.”

For the third year in a row, a special feature of the conference will be the participation of 25 media leaders representing 25 nations, sponsored by the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program.

“The participation of these leaders in this distinguished State Department program at our conference is significant in that it appears to tie in directly with the continued, timely U.S. government recognition of the international interest and importance of media literacy,” said Goodkind.

The international visits to UConn also boosts the visibility and image of both the University and the Neag School of Education, while providing the potential for important world-wide contacts in media literacy and related fields.

Keynote speakers are Cyndy Scheibe, nationally recognized media literacy leader, executive director and founder of Project Look Sharp, and co-author of The Teacher’s Guide to Media Literacy; and Chris Sperry, director, curriculum and staff development for Project Look Sharp, teacher of social studies, English and media studies for over 30 years, and author of innovative curriculum kits on global studies.

“Both will bring leadership, knowledge and experience in media literacy to the conference,” Goodkind said.

The conference will also feature 15 workshops, exhibitors and film showings. Registration includes a continental breakfast, buffet lunch, refreshments throughout the day, social hour, conference-related handouts and discounts on media literacy products. Cost to attend is $95 per person; $45 for students (with ID).

For more information and to register, visit the Northeast Media Literacy Conference website at http://medialiteracy.education.uconn.edu or contact Dr. Thomas B. Goodkind at t.goodkind@uconn.edu or (860) 486-0290.