Media+Literacy

Media Literacy: 21st Century Literacy Skills
Frank W. Baker

Frank Baker, television journalist, shares how one of the most potent mediums on our youth (television), is not mentioned formally in state standards. "We no longer live solely in a print-centric world; we are surrounded by a culture filled with visual images and messages, many of which work on a subconscious level" (p.133). We need to look at how addressing media literacy skills will help our students become critical consumers of media. Our definition of literacy needs to expand to other media as well. The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has defined media literacy as: //Analyze Media// //Create Media Products//
 * Summary:**
 * Understand both how and why media messages are constructed, and for what purposes
 * Examine how individuals interpret messages differently, how values and points of view are included or excluded, and how media can influence beliefs and behaviors
 * Apply a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal issues surrounding the access and use of media
 * Understand and utilize the most appropriate media create tools, characteristics and conventions
 * Understand and effectively utilize the most appropriate expressions and interpretations in diverse, multi-cultural environments (pp. 141-142)

In order for media literacy to become widespread, it must become a vital component of teaching and learning and not be taught as a separate class. Media literacy should move beyond analysis and incorporate production and creation. What implications does media literacy have for our curriculum across all content areas?
 * Point to ponder:**


 * Discussion Connections:**

This was one chapter that was referenced frequently in our VoiceThread this week as being an easier program to implement and address in our revisions of curriculum. Mike shared that his school district already offered a 21st Century Media Literacy course for eighth graders. Becky felt that with state expectations and technology integration specialists to implement these "standards" would be easier to implement as long as they were arranged by content area to achieve goals. Mary agreed that this approach could happen a lot faster systemically.

Why? While some of us recognize that media literacy is not specifically mentioned in state standards, this is an area where many teachers find some comfort in integrating technology. Our students are exposed to a lot of media and teachers recognize this technology as one that students need to become more critical consumers. There are a variety of ways that media literacy can be embedded into our current content areas and both students and teachers may find it authentic and engaging to discuss a shared technology.

While the television is one technology that might slowly find its way out of the classroom, its media and message will not find its way out of the lives of our students. It seems that the group feels this might be a "small win" for technology literacy in the classroom.

Baker, F.W. (2010). Media literacy. In H. H. Jacobs (Ed.), //Curriculum 21// (pp. 133-152). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Media Literacy Clearinghouse Web site [|www.frankwbaker.com]