To begin my first blog post, I feel as if it is important to explain the definition of Media Literacy. When first starting my course at Lakehead University, I was unsure of what Media Literacy actually meant. I figured it was as simple as helping student's learn through the use of media. Well, yes, it is that but it is so much more! My eyes have completely opened to the idea of how beneficial the use of media can be in the classroom! We watched this video in our class, and I believe it is the perfect explanation of what Media Literacy is. I do not take credit for finding this video, but I thank my professors immensely for showing it in class and giving me a better, more clearer understanding the the definition of Media Literacy.
In our course textbook (pictured here) there is also a wonderful definition of what Media Literacy is.
"Media literacy is concerned with helping students develop an informed and critical understanding of the nature of mass media, the techniques used by them, and the impact of these techniques. More specifically, it is education that aims to increase the students' understanding and enjoyment of how the media work, how they produce meaning, how they are organized, and how they construct reality. Media literacy also aims to provide students with the ability to create media products (Ontario Ministry of Education, 1989, pp.6-7)" (Baker pg. 3).
To conclude my first blog post, I wanted to list a few of the benefits of using media literacy in the classroom.
Resources:
http://mdl4000.weebly.com
http://www.medialit.org/reading-room/10-benefits-media-literacy-education
http://medialiteracyproject.org/learn/media-literacy
"Media literacy is concerned with helping students develop an informed and critical understanding of the nature of mass media, the techniques used by them, and the impact of these techniques. More specifically, it is education that aims to increase the students' understanding and enjoyment of how the media work, how they produce meaning, how they are organized, and how they construct reality. Media literacy also aims to provide students with the ability to create media products (Ontario Ministry of Education, 1989, pp.6-7)" (Baker pg. 3).
To conclude my first blog post, I wanted to list a few of the benefits of using media literacy in the classroom.
- Helps to engage students through the use of media allowing the teacher to use "real life" examples that link to the lesson topic
- The inquiry process used through using media literacy helps students to think critically
- Teachers students how to use additional resources through the internet and online resources, expanding their horizons and research abilities
- Teachers the students safety guidelines when using the internet; how to be safe while getting the most out of the technology as you can
Resources:
http://mdl4000.weebly.com
http://www.medialit.org/reading-room/10-benefits-media-literacy-education
http://medialiteracyproject.org/learn/media-literacy