What Every Media Specialist Should Know About Media Literacy Frank Baker media educator Media Literacy Clearinghouse

Need for media literacy “Our students are growing up in a world saturated with media messages…yet, they (and their teachers) receive little or no training in the skills of analyzing or re- evaluating these messages, many of which make use of language, moving images, music, sound effects. Source: R.Hobbs, Journal Adult & Adolescent Literacy, February 2004 “Our students are growing up in a world saturated with media messages…yet, they (and their teachers) receive little or no training in the skills of analyzing or re- evaluating these messages, many of which make use of language, moving images, music, sound effects. Source: R.Hobbs, Journal Adult & Adolescent Literacy, February 2004

Endorsing media literacy "Being literate in contemporary society means being active, critical, and creative users not only of print and spoken language but also of the visual language of film and television....Teaching students how to interpret and create visual texts....is another essential component of the English language arts curriculum. Visual communication is part of the fabric of contemporary life." NCTE/IRA Standards for the English Language Arts (1996) as quoted in Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 48:1, September 2002, pps "Being literate in contemporary society means being active, critical, and creative users not only of print and spoken language but also of the visual language of film and television....Teaching students how to interpret and create visual texts....is another essential component of the English language arts curriculum. Visual communication is part of the fabric of contemporary life." NCTE/IRA Standards for the English Language Arts (1996) as quoted in Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 48:1, September 2002, pps.74-75

Media literacy works “A growing body of research suggests that media literacy instruction improves student reading, viewing and listening comprehension of print, audio, and video texts; message analysis and interpretation; and writing skills.” Source: Media Matters, March 2005 Access Learning magazine

Media literacy: what is it? Write a definition: What does media literacy mean? OR Why should our students be media literate?

Media Literacy Access Access Analyze Analyze Interpret Interpret Produce Produce Communication Communication In a variety of forms Source: 1992 Aspen Institute on Media Literacy In a variety of forms Source: 1992 Aspen Institute on Media Literacy

Media literacy: AMLA definition Media literacy empowers people to be both critical thinkers and creative producers of an increasingly wide range of messages using image, language, and sound. It is the skillful application of literacy skills to media and technology messages. As communication technologies transform society, they impact our understanding of ourselves, our communities, and our diverse cultures, making media literacy an essential life skill for the 21st century. Source: Alliance for A Media Literate America Media literacy empowers people to be both critical thinkers and creative producers of an increasingly wide range of messages using image, language, and sound. It is the skillful application of literacy skills to media and technology messages. As communication technologies transform society, they impact our understanding of ourselves, our communities, and our diverse cultures, making media literacy an essential life skill for the 21st century. Source: Alliance for A Media Literate America

What is media literacy: Set of skills, knowledge, abilities Set of skills, knowledge, abilities How the media works How the media works How the media influences How the media influences Awareness of personal media habits Awareness of personal media habits Appreciation of media’s power Appreciation of media’s power

What media literacy is not: Media bashing Media bashing Just about television/video production Just about television/video production Just teaching WITH media; Just teaching WITH media; It is teaching ABOUT the media

Media literacy in SC Standards: ELA- English Language Arts ELA- English Language Arts Social Studies Social Studies Health Health Library Media Library Media Visual Arts Visual Arts Technology Technology

AASL Endorses Partnership for 21 st Century Skills Information & Media Literacy analyzing, accessing, managing, integrating, evaluating, Information & Media Literacy analyzing, accessing, managing, integrating, evaluating, creating information in a variety of forms and media. Understanding the role of media in society.

5 Core Concepts: Media Literacy 1. All media messages are constructed.

Media messages are constructed NEWSPAPERS headlines with large bold print lead stories with catchy titles bylines photographs

5 Core Concepts: Media Literacy 2. Media are constructed using unique languages with their own set of rules.

Messages’ unique rules Language of film Camera work LightingSound/musicCostumesExpression To Kill A Mockingbird To Kill A Mockingbird

5 Core Concepts: Media Literacy 3. Media convey values and points-of-view.

Values & POV

5 Core Concepts: Media Literacy 4. Different people interpret the same media message differently.

Interpretation differences

5 Core Concepts: Media Literacy 5. Media are concerned with power and profit.

Media: Power & Profit FOX (News Corp) NBC (NBC/Universal) CBS (Viacom) ABC (Disney) CNN (AOL/Time Warner)

Critical inquiry: questioning Who produced/paid for the message & why? Who produced/paid for the message & why? For what purpose(s)? For what purpose(s)? For which audience(s)? For which audience(s)? What techniques are used to attract attention and increase believability? What techniques are used to attract attention and increase believability? What does it mean? What does it mean? What lifestyles are promoted & why? What lifestyles are promoted & why? Who or what might be omitted? Who or what might be omitted?

The languages of TV & Film Camera perspective/lens/movement Camera perspective/lens/movement Lighting Lighting Sound (including music, sound effects) Sound (including music, sound effects) Editing Editing Sets: art decoration Sets: art decoration Actor’s costumes; expressions Actor’s costumes; expressions