Allison Butler Part of Team Awarded 2023 MERLOT Classics Award

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College of Education faculty Bob Maloy, senior lecturer II; Torrey Trust, associate professor of teacher education and curriculum studies; Allison Butler, senior lecturer of communication; and education doctoral student Chenyang Xu are the recipients of a 2023 MERLOT Classics Award.

Their open educational resource (OER) textbook “Critical Media Literacy and Civic Learning” was honored by the Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching (MERLOT) initiative.

Through the lens of media literacy, the authors’ text introduces students to key topics related to government and civic life in the United States. Their book was recognized for its breadth of content and accessible presentation of information:

“This OER book leverages media resources and skills to understand how government works, citizens' rights and responsibilities, and news literacy. Each chapter includes videos and/or other media examples, several engaging constructivist activities that are of current interest, links for further reading, and alignment with educational standards. The writing is clear and easy to read. The knowledge and skill gained from the activities and supporting information not only applies to civics but to daily life skills.” 

This article first appeared on UMass Amherst News & Events.