Igniting AI Literacy: Teaching and Modeling Responsible AI Use in the Classroom

Jessi Hollis McCarthy is the program specialist of MediaWise, Poynter’s digital media literacy project that teaches people of all ages how to spot misinformation online. In this capacity, she manages a variety of domestic and international media literacy programs.

Jessi has spent her career in museum and non-profit education. Previously at NewseumED, she was with the team that created and launched its media literacy curriculum. The core of her work has focused on expanding access to media literacy education and resources through virtual and in-person programs for audiences of all ages. Jessi has led media literacy education programs across 10 countries and four continents reaching students, educators, journalists and civil society leaders. She is the 2023 recipient of the Elizabeth Thoman Service Award from the National Association for Media Literacy Education.

As the Interactive Learning Designer for MediaWise, Sean Marcus designs and develops learning material for a wide range of audiences and purposes, ranging from senior citizens to high school students, and traditional classroom lessons to asynchronous, online learning experiences. Sean spent over 20 years teaching high school in Tampa Bay, twelve in public schools and eight in local independent schools. He has taught journalism, television production, creative writing and graphic design, and advised nationally recognized publications. Marcus holds a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and a master’s degree in English education, both from the University of South Florida. As a lifelong learner, he has pursued learning opportunities ranging from bookbinding and letterpress printing to digital citizenship and internet safety. He has presented at the Florida Council of Independent Schools’ annual conference, as well as at journalism education conferences at the local, state and regional level.