Discussion 2/Post 1/Media Literacy

Figure 1. Image taken from FACEinHOLE.com.

Discussion 2/Post 1/Media Literacy

Media Literacy, a term needing educational intervention, is part of our world today. There is no doubt that if a person is not media literate, they are not able to comprehend the world around them. I often wondered, exactly what the term “media literacy” means? It seems I asked the same question as the article, “What is This Media Literacy Thing?” (Burton, 2005) The author defines media literacy as “the ability to ‘read’ and understand visual, aural and digital messages. It means having the skills to understand and interact with the media analytically, critically, and knowledgeably.” (2005) The article also goes on to state that “there are four inter-related dimensions of media literacy: cognitive, emotional, aesthetic and moral.” (2005) Media literacy is brain rich meaning all of your senses are engaged, and you are making connections via your visual and auditory stimulation. As Barish stated, “a language of screens.” (2002)

While researching the topic of media literacy, there was a group called the New Media Consortium who “convened a "summit" of thought leaders in visual, aural and digital literacy over April 26-28, 2005, to articulate broad-scale priorities for the areas where these spheres converge, and develop an action list of recommendations to meet those priorities.” (2005) It was an impressive site with many visuals of mapping projects the participants completed, and a wealth of informational contacts in media literacy. On a personal level, as a student attending Full Sail, our love of media has drawn us to this program, and we seek to enhance our literacy skills in this area. As a former language arts teacher, my research validated my curriculum choices and the relevance of including rich media opportunities for my students. As a middle school technology teacher, my purpose is justified and my curriculum is moving forward in the proper direction. Even though we teach computer mastery of the hardware and software, we use the computer as our tool to discover and understand the world.

Assisting students to understand the world around them is so important to a population that hasn’t been far from their homes, except through the Internet or other media, thus, the importance of media literacy. We support all curriculum in our technology program, but I find that due to Social Studies’ increased exposure, due to continuous cuts, our technology program places a greater emphasis including curriculum support. Plus, to help students understand the world around them, they need to understand the basic principles that social studies offers. Controversies, religious beliefs, economics, conflicts, racial tensions, etc., all fall under this umbrella, and media literacy is key to understanding and deciphering the bias and propaganda. In the article titled, “Social Education,” (2009) it states “that media literary influences young people's thinking about citizenship and social responsibility.”

With all the discussion of Challenge Based Learning, we can see how important social studies curriculum promote social changes for a better world. If students are not media literate, the message is not comprehended. Thus, they are illiterate in “proper citizenship and social responsibilities,” which is the opposite outcome of our educational purpose. Also, knowing that the exposure continues, even after the “Call to Action” supported during the 21St Century Literacy Summit (2005) and the article, “What is This Media Literacy Thing?” which provided a deeper understanding of the importance of media literacy, it is hopeful that the voices and supporters of media literacy continue to sound its relevancy in education for the 21st Century Learner.

References

Burton, L. (2005). What is This Media Literacy Thing?. Screen Education, (38), 93-98. Retrieved from Film & Television Literature Index with Full Text database.

New Media Consortium. (n.d.). NMC: Events 21st Century Literacy Summit. Retrieved November 7, 2009, from http://archive.nmc.org/summit/

(2009). Media Literacy. Social Education, 73(4), 187-189. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

Discussion 2/Post 2/Media Literacy

@Darla
“specify technical learning objectives or ensure successful integration of technology to enhance students’ digital and visual literacy.”

So true Darla, and we all know that education reform needs to include facilities too. Our schools are old, at least the ones in my district that we not destroyed due to Hurricane Charley. Even though the 7 new schools are technology rich, we still limit access to Web 2.0 tools, which we have come to value during our coursework at Full Sail. My colleagues and I need to meet off site to be able to access all Web 2.0 tools to complete our media literate curriculums. Ironic, isn’t it?

@Timothy
“I have spent many hours with my students explaining how to upload podcasts to the Internet because some of them barely used a computer for more than an email.”

Timothy, I read your statement and thought how lucky my students were because they did know these things. Then as I read further, I realized you are talking about another generation, not my 8th graders, but their teachers! Media literacy affects all ages, and there are many teachers who are technology illiterate and continue in their ignorance due to fear. We are trying to change this in our county and are providing teams of teachers at our school sites that offer continuous training for all staff. We are piloting this program and it is working wonderfully. Teachers are beginning to request equipment and learning to use the devices effectively-step 1 on their technology conquests.

@Carrie
“Basically, we need to teach students to think critically about not only reading and writing, but also film, sound, etcetera.”

Well stated Carrie and once educators realize how important media literacy is, they will not hesitate to include it for the best interest of the student. We also need to make sure we evaluate the appropriateness of the media for the age group, which is a whole other topic for media literacy discussion groups! Thank you for sharing!