Media Literacy 1

What is media literacy?

"Media literacy is an informed, critical understanding of the mass media. It involves examining the techniques, technologies and institutions involved in media production; being able to critically analyze media messages; and recognizing the role audiences play in making meaning from those messages."

Source: Rick Shepherd, "Why Teach Media Literacy," Teach Magazine, Quadrant Educational Media Services, Toronto, ON, Canada, Oct/Nov 1993.

http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/teachers/media_literacy/what_is_media_literacy.cfm


"...media literacy is about more than just consuming information. A media literate individual is able to produce, create and successfully communicate information in all its forms..."

Media Literacy is the ability to acccess, analyze,evaluate and communicate information in a variety of format including print and nonprint.

http://www.ced.appstate.edu/departments/ci/programs/edmedia/medialit/article.html


There are several ways to approach media literacy,

Aesthetics and Appreciation
The study of the language, grammar, vocabulary of film, television and other media.

Production
"...hands-on application of and utilization of production values and techniques. This might include photography, cinematography and video production."

Citizenship
"...responsible citizenship involves... informed decision-making.Media literacy promotes the critical thinking skills necessary to understand the complex issues".

Protection
"To Develop Resistance to Media's Influences"

http://www.ced.appstate.edu/departments/ci/programs/edmedia/medialit/article3.html