Introduction to Media Literacy
The National Association or Media and Literacy education explains that the purpose of MIL is to help "develop the habits of inquiry and skills of expression that they need to be critical thinkers, effective communicators, and active citizens in today’s world" (NAMLE, 2018). Consider the guiding principles that follow as you begin to develop your own working definition of media information literacy education. Which principles might you already be covering in your classroom? Which principles would you like to know more about?
Media Literacy Education--
For additional resources to develop your understanding of what media literacy is and why it's important, you might check out these additional resources:
Media Literacy Education--
- requires active inquiry and critical thinking about the messages we receive and create,
- expands the concept of literacy to include all forms of media (i.e., reading and writing),
- builds and reinforces skills for learners of all ages through regular practice,
- develops informed, reflective and engaged participants essential for a democratic society,
- recognizes that media are a part of culture and function as agents of socialization,
- affirms that people use their individual skills, beliefs and experiences to construct their own meanings from media messages (NAMLE, 2018).
For additional resources to develop your understanding of what media literacy is and why it's important, you might check out these additional resources:
- Common Sense Media. (n.d.) What is media literacy, and why is it important.
- Goodwill Community Foundation, Inc. (n.d.). Digital Media Literacy. GCFLearnFree.org.
- Rideout, V., & Robb, M. B. (2020). The Common Sense census: Media use by kids age zero to eight, 2020. San Francisco, CA: Common Sense Media.
Getting Started
In part one you are encouraged to expand your definition of literacy to include all forms of media. You will begin by reflecting on what you know about media literacy education and identifying what you hope to learn more about. To begin to define media and information literacy, you will explore the principles that define Media Information Literacy education. To connect MIL to teaching and learning, you will explore curated collections that showcase digital tools and instructional strategies that support MIL education as well as ideas for implementing MIL across the content areas. Part one concludes with time for reflection about natural places in the curriculum you currently teach where you could integrate MIL education.