Building Media Literacy

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The definition of literacy is evolving. Throughout the ages, the meaning of literacy has shifted from being able to simply sign one’s name to reciting information to handwriting literacy and analytical literacy (Beers, 2015). Now, in the 21st century, literacy has evolved once more to include being able to "access, analyze, evaluate, and create" different types of media (What is Media Literacy, n.d.). Educators must prepare students to be successful in the 21st century; we must teach media literacy.

Teaching media literacy begins with teaching students digital citizenship. They must learn to navigate the Internet safely and responsibly. Resources like NetSmartzKids and Common Sense Media can support teachers as they take this first step in teaching media literacy.

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Furthermore, because anyone can post anything online, students need to be able to evaluate the sources of information for quality and integrity. Wikipedia and blogs are often considered reliable sources for research by students; however, students should be aware that anyone can publish anything on the Internet (What’s Wrong with Wikipedia, 2015). Therefore, students should be guided so they are able to distinguish scholarly articles and published sources from potentially inaccurate sources. 

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Teaching media literacy helps students develop critical thinking skills and global awareness; students understand the global impact of media and how biases and misconceptions are perpetuated through media. By teaching students media literacy, students can then begin to create media and contribute positively to the 21st century global community. 

Here is a video that summarizes media literacy:

References:

Beers, Kylene. “It’s Not the Rigor Conference Presentation.” NERA. Springfield, MA. 30 May 2015. Keynote Address. 

CyberWise. (2011). "What Is Media Literacy" [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKlJOxwyMWU

What is Media Literacy? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://medialiteracyproject.org/learn/media-literacy

What’s Wrong with Wikipedia? (2015). Harvard Guide to Using Sources. Retrieved from http://isites.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=k70847&pageid=icb.page346376

Blair, N. (2012) Technology Integration for the New 21st Century Learner. Retrieved from http://www.naesp.org/