WHAT IS MEDIA LITERACY?MODULE 1: The Basics

Lesson Module Outcomes

•In this lesson students will:▫Learn the definition of media literacy and

how it has changed over the years.▫Look at the history of media and the most

pivotal developments in recent years.▫Understand the generation gap in regards

to media literacy and its affects.

Introductory Discussion

•Think about the following question on your own for a few minutes and write down a definition. Then discuss among the class.

•How do you define media literacy?

Discussion Continued

•Now, watch this video clip “An Ever Changing World”, which was uploaded in 2009. Discuss among the class your reflections and other changes you have seen made in the media since.

•http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuKu6PZXCIY

Media Literacy Defined•According to the Center for Media Literacy:

▫ In 1992: Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate and create media in a variety of forms.”

▫ Today: “Media literacy is a 21st century approach to education. It provides a framework to access, analyze, evaluate, create and participate with messages in a variety of forms – from print to video to the Internet. Media literacy builds an understanding of the role of media in society as well as essential skills of inquiry and self-expression necessary for citizens of democracy.”

STOP!•Go back and read the definitions again.

What are the main differences between how media literacy was defined in 1992 and today?

Comparing the Definitions▫ In 1992: It is the ability to access, analyze,

evaluate and create media in a variety of forms.

▫ Today: It is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create and participate with media in a variety of forms.

▫ Key difference is the idea of PARTICIPATION.

▫ Why do you think participation has been added to the definition? Discuss among the class.

Almost every piece of this timeline includes PARTICIPATION

Generation Gap?•The idea of a generation gap in terms of

technology is nothing new, but today technology is developing faster than ever.

• Is there a lack of understanding between parents and/or teachers and their students?

• CASE STUDY: “A New Digital Age: Bridging the Generation Gap”

• AUDIO CLIP: Kid’s media usage creating generation gap

Case Study• 86 participants asked what kind of

technology they use and how often.

• Expected to see the divide in use of technologies but it was more in the reason for using these technologies.

“Need to know” versus exploration for the sake of entertainment.

• http://editlib.org/p/27929

Audio Clip from MPRNews

•New study from Kaiser Family Foundation says that teenagers/children spend up to 8 hours a day consuming media, which is 2 hours above the average just two years ago.

•Implications? Communication and technology is widening the generation gap between today’s teenagers/children and their parents.

Class Activity

•There are 31 billion searches on Google a month.▫How did we get answers before Google?

•Try using the Internet, but avoid Google and any other search engine to find the answer to the following question:▫When did Google begin and by whom?

Class Activity Continued•Having trouble?

•Discuss the difficulties you came across with finding these answers as a class.

•Have we become too Google-dependent?

Assignment 1:

•Participate in the poll on the main page. After submitting your answer, consider the other options and write a summary ranking the way you use these media sources and what for (news, information, entertainment, etc.)

•In your summary, discuss how your poll answer would differ from your parents, grandparents, teachers, etc. and why you think so.