WHAT IS MEDIA LITERACY?

According to NAMLE., the National Association for Media Literacy Education: "Media literacy is the ability to ACCESS, ANALYZE, EVALUATE, CREATE, and ACT using all forms of communication. In its simplest terms, media literacy builds upon the foundation of traditional literacy and offers new forms of reading and writing. Media literacy empowers people to be critical thinkers and makers, effective communicators and active citizens."

Following are the core principles of Media Literacy Education in the U.S.

Media Literacy:

Requires active inquiry and critical thinking about the messages we receive and create.
Expands the concept of literacy (i.e., reading and writing) to include all forms of media.
Builds and reinforces skills for learners of all ages. Like print literacy, those skills necessitate integrated, interactive, and repeated practice.
Develops informed, reflective and engaged participants essential for a democratic society.
Recognizes that media are a part of culture and function as agents of socialization.
Affirms that people use their individual skills, beliefs and experiences to construct their own meanings from media messages.

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What's The Difference Between Digital Literacy and Media Literacy??

Digital Literacy is more than technological know-how. It includes a wide variety of ethical, social, and reflective practices that are embedded in work, learning, leisure, and daily life.*

Media Literacy is knowing how to critically evaluate and creatively produce media messages.

We believe in delivering Media Literacy to students upon a strong foundation of Digital Citizenship and Information Literacy skills. That way the entirety of Digital Literacy (what we call Cyber Civics) makes sense to students!

*Media Literacy definition from Media Smarts

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Go-To Resources for Media Literacy

The National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE), whose mission is to improve and enhance media literacy education.

Media Literacy Now, the leading national advocacy organization for media literacy and digital citizenship education policy.

The Center for Media Literacy, recognized as a leader in professional development for media literacy.

Media Education Lab at the University of Rhode Island, founded by Renee Hobbes, a pioneer in the media education field.

Media Smarts, Canada's Centre for Digital and Media Literacy.

Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21st Century, the landmark white paper by Henry Jenkins that launched the media literacy conversation.

And, of course, our own Cyber Civics curriculum!

The New Media Literacies

The New Media Literacies (Jenkins et al, 2007) are skills that build upon the foundation of traditional literacy, research skills, technical skills and critical analysis. They include: