Media Literacy: An Introduction to Media Literacy by Dr. David Considine
Media Literacy: First National Media Literacy Conference at ASU
Media Literacy: Summit 2000: Reflections on Toronto Conference
Defined as the ability to ACCESS, ANALYZE, EVALUATE and COMMUNICATE information in a variety of forms, both print and non print, media literacy is compatible with several aspects of the North Carolina Curriculum. It certainly directly addresses responsible citizenship in a democratic society, since it argues that a responsible citizen is an informed member of the community
This citizen must be able to do more than simply access information. An informed citizen must be able to detect bias and to understand the commercial pressures that shape not only what news is presented, but how it is presented. Hopefully such a citizen might also access alternative sources of information. Appearing in the PBS broadcast, Media Literacy: The New Basic, former CBS anchor, Walter Cronkite, said schools should teach healthy skepticism. Surely our English, Language Arts and Civics classes can integrate this element of media literacy in their lessons.
The state curriculum also refers to the goal of creating productive workers. In the information economy this will increasingly mean, workers who have the technological skills to utilize computer-related technology to access, store, produce and disseminate information. Once again, media literacy is an ally in this process. Access to websites is meaningless, even dangerous without the corresponding ability to analyze and evaluate the authenticity of the information located there. Equally, possessing the technical skills to create a website or PowerPoint presentation is not enough. Students must also understand graphic design, screen display and other elements that will determine how well the program is processed. In the case of PowerPoint, for example, it is very easy for the special effects WOW to overwhelm the program's WHAT, or content.
Selected statements from the NC Curriculum that are compatible with media literacy.
1. "In the visually oriented world, the
skills of viewing have assumed increasing importance...
Visuals shape actions, promote thoughts and occasionally
warp meaning." (Communication Skills K-12
1985) 2. "In order to become productive,
responsible citizens and to achieve a sense of personal
fulfillment, students must develop the ability to think... A
student who reads a newspaper editorial and is able to
distinguish fact from opinion, point out unstated
assumptions, and recognize bias is demonstrating skills of
analysis." (NC Thinking
Skills) 3. "The sheer mass of information and
variety of media formats challenge every learner to filter,
interpret, accept and/or discard information and media
messages...The learner will identify and apply strategies to
ACCESS, EVALUATE, USE and COMMUNICATE information for
learning, decision making and problem
solving." (NC Information Skills
1992) 4.
"The learner will recognize
how the presentation of information and ideas is
influenced by social, cultural, political and historical
events."
Media Literacy: An Introduction to Media Literacy by Dr. David Considine
Media Literacy: First National Media Literacy Conference at ASU
Media Literacy: Summit 2000: Reflections on Toronto Conference
