Objective 1:  What is Media Literacy?

To successfully complete Objective 1, read the definition of Media Literacy and complete the first five mission on your Media Literacy Mission Tracker.

 

According to the Center for Media Literacy (CML) the definition is: 

"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 a democracy."

 

CML also gives several examples of what Media Literacy is NOT, including: 

• Media Bashing

• Producing media just to produce media

• Using video to do the teaching

• Looking for political agendas, stereotypes or misrepresentation

• Viewing a media message from just one perspective

• Does not mean "don't watch"

 

The important thing with media literacy is to think critically about the media that is being presented.  Watching a video for learning is not bad, but should be coupled with teaching about the video.  Think back to the "Truthiness" video, how has this word impacted media?

 

Click into the Mission Tracker you copied in Rule 1 and work through the first four missions.  This will complete Objective 1.

 

When you have completed Objective 1, fill out the feedback form and go to Objective 2.