Understanding Media Literacy’s Role in Instruction October 11, 2007 Frank W. Baker Media Literacy Clearinghouse www.frankwbaker.com fbaker1346@aol.com

Media literacy What is media literacy?

Media literacy Understanding how media messages are constructed, for what purposes and using which tools, characteristics and conventions. Examining how individuals interpret messages differently, how values and points of view are included or excluded and how media can influence beliefs and behaviors. Possessing a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal issues surrounding the access and use of information

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. " Source: Media Literacy Resource Guide, Ministry of Education Ontario, 1997

Media literacy Florida Reading & LA Standards Media Literacy Strand  The student develops and demonstrates an understanding of media literacy as a life skill that is integral to informed decision making.

Media literacy Florida Reading & LA Standards 6th grade -analyze ways that production elements (e.g., graphics, color, motion, sound, digital technology) affect communication across the media; and -demonstrate the ability to select and ethically use media appropriate for the purpose, occasion, and audience. 8th grade -distinguish between propaganda and ethical reasoning strategies in print and nonprint media.

Media literacy Florida Reading & LA Standards 10th grade -ethically use mass media and digital technology in assignments and presentations, citing sources according to standardized citation styles; and -demonstrate the ability to select print and nonprint media appropriate for the purpose, occasion, and audience to develop into a formal presentation.

Media literacy Florida Social Studies Standards Government & The Citizen (Civics and Government) 4. understands the role of special interest groups, political parties, the media, public opinion and majority/minority conflicts on the development of public policy and the political process

Media literacy Florida Health & PE Standards Standard 2 The student analyzes the influence of culture, media, technology, and other factors on health.

Source: Partnership for 21st Century Skills www.21stcenturyskills.org                Media literacy falls into the Information, Media and Technology Skills area Source: Partnership for 21st Century Skills www.21stcenturyskills.org

Media literacy= asking questions Who created the message? For what purpose was it created? For whom is the message designed? (audience) What techniques are used by the producers? Who/what might be omitted and why? Where can I go to verify the info?

Application to standards Seven questions every student should ask while watching The War

Application to standards Body Image

Application to standards Toy Advertising Cinderella’s Magic Talking Vanity

Application to standards VISA Check Card Commercial

Application to standards Digital Manipulation of Images

Application to standards Political Ads

Application to standards The language of film cameras lights/ sound editing set design costume expression

Application to standards Tobacco Advertising

Application to standards

New resources Nov.2007 Oct.2007 Nov.2006 NCTE Books Neal Schuman Publ. Teachers College Press