The Media and Information Literacy course introduces students to the fundamentals of media and information as communication channels and resources for the development of individuals and communities.
Let us first define media literacy before moving on to instances.
What is Media or Information Literacy?
Simply said, learning media or Information Literature is the capacity to accept various forms of media and the messages they transmit. When we talk about media, we mean print media like newspapers, magazines, tweets, radio broadcasts, and so on.
What comes to mind when we view an image on television or in a magazine?
We form an opinion about what we observe based on our judgement, which is sometimes influenced by our worldview or viewpoint. Images, on the other hand, can excite or influence our thoughts in some way. The image, as well as the manner in which it is presented, may be biased and cause the viewer to focus on something in the story.
With the progress of technology in recent years, we have been flooded with pictures that try to affect us in a specific way.
Why Is Teaching Media Literacy Important?
As a result, in order to locate or assess what is provided, we as readers or viewers must perceive the media objectively. Both sides of any conflicts or representations will be displayed around the world, and we will be able to make educated judgments based on the knowledge we get from the media; yet, individuals frequently construct media to influence you in some manner.
As an experienced observer, it is your role to first read or watch the media and decide what signals are being transmitted. Examine the photographs to see whether they accurately portray both sides of the issue. It is critical that we analyze the source of the information and ask ourselves what the person’s motivation is. This can help to establish whether or not the source is trustworthy.
Examples of Media and information literacy
Amazon.com, for example, is attempting to sell a product. The integrity of a website is always vital. When visiting a website, it is critical to keep the site’s objective in mind. Site design should also be considered – a web page with vivid visuals, unusual noises, and movies that may be more interested in attracting your attention than in providing solid information.
In contrast to students who have web pages that do not have data levels, university and school sites are labelled with education and have set criteria for delivering data. Some URLs, such as.com,.org, and.net, adhere to their own quality control requirements.
When using a variety of media, it is crucial to examine the objective of the material you are looking at, as well as the credibility of the source, before reaching judgments about the argument or stance being communicated.
Six Ways to Teach Media Literacy
Here are six strategies for teaching media literacy to your kids.
1.Instruct kids on how to analyze media.
First, kids should be taught how to use the media to their advantage. Teachers, for example, must address prejudice and resources. Students learn to investigate what they are viewing by teaching them how the media changes based on who produces it, the intended audience, and what preconceptions might be induced by the source.
2. Demonstrate to children where they may access digital content and databases.
Teachers should also supply dependable media to their kids. This includes instructing students on how to assess websites and digital resources for trustworthy material. For example, there is a wealth of information available to help kids use safe resources.
3. Contrast and compare diverse media sources.
Compare and contrast various media sources in your interactions. When constructing a tale, for example, encourage students to read the story from a number of sources. Compare and contrast items when discussing movies or television.
4. Talk about how the media edits and changes.
Display media examples that change visuals or narrative on purpose. Teach children the value of having money for what they see or learn about the face. For example, when people see that publications have been altered, it alters their perception of themselves.
5. Search for “truth” in marketing.
Allow readers to see what advertisements they are attempting to sell and what “promises” or thoughts they are using to persuade you to buy the goods.
6. Instruct students to develop media.
Finally, encourage kids to create media. Depending on the grade level, students can create presentations, movies, or websites. Students, for example, may design movie posters for movie titles.