What is media literacy?
As stated by the guest speaker, Julie Smith, media literacy is “the constant, critical, questioning of all the media we consume” (Smith, 2020). Furthermore, it provides a “framework to access, analyze, evaluate and create messages in a variety of forms, build an understanding of the role of media in society, as well as develop the essential skills of inquiry and self-expression” (21st Century Skills, p. 66).
Why is it important?
Media literacy is important because it is an essential skill set that can be applied in order to learn, and be able to use media creation tools to develop compelling and effective communication products such as podcasts, web sites, and videos (21st Century Skills, p. 66). Now that the 21st century is very much surrounded by digital media and media choices, it is crucial to raise the awareness of the importance of media literacy in every conversation, no just in the classroom, and the huge impacts it has on the world we live in today (Smith, 2020).
Why is it dismissed?
Media literacy is dismissed because as Julie mentioned, it is the “familiarity backfire affect” where people place a shield in front of them that prevents non-affirmative media from entering their reality (Smith, 2020). Nowadays, news is “pulled” by individuals, therefore they are able to filter out and read media that makes them feel satisfied and lets them know they are “right” as opposed to messages that they disagree with (2020).
Why should you aim for varied views but factual consensus in your PLN?
Having varied views in one’s PLN provides new views and ideas that may have not been thought of (Smith, 2020). Often we tend to keep ourselves in a bubble by cultivating networks of only people who are similar to us, but if we diversify our PLN, we become well-equipped to create and share content that resonates with all audiences (2020). Aiming to have factual consensus is important in a PLN because it provides the ability for individuals to use concrete information and evidence to come to a conclusion that is agreed upon by a majority of individuals from a variety of educational backgrounds.
Open dialogues about media literacy and factual information can create conflict, why does this happen?
Conflict can arise from open dialogue and factual information because many individuals are not educated on media literacy and may not understand the importance of it in our everyday lives. Furthermore, people always want to hear about things that make them feel affirmed and correct and may avoid media information and dialogue that contradicts their values and beliefs (Smith, 2020).
What is the benefit of having a PLN that values media literacy?
Having a PLN that values the importance of media literacy is essential because it encourages individuals to question, evaluate, understand and appreciate their multimedia culture as well as teaches them to become active, engaged media consumers and users (Media Smarts, n.d.). Valuing media literacy also helps people to diversify their PLN and engage with individuals from different backgrounds across the world that can add value to their professional work (Smith, 2020). In addition, it helps people express their voices, connect with communities, and the ability to share opinions with peers about important issues. By understanding media literacy, individuals are less lively to gravitate to platforms that only share news they want to hear, share stories after only reading their headlines and get sucked into content that outrages or entertains us (n.d.).
References:
21st Century Skills – Learning for Life In Our Times Trilling, B & Fadel, C – Digital Literacy Skills – Media Literacy pp.66 https://learning-oreilly-com.ezproxy.library.uvic.ca/library/view/21st+Century+Skills:+Learning+for+Life+in+Our+times/9780470475386/fade_9780470475386_oeb_c04_r1.html#h2
Media Smarts. (n.d.). Media Literacy Fundamentals. Media Smarts Canada’s Centre For Digital and Media Literacy. Retrieved from https://mediasmarts.ca/digital-media-literacy/general-information/digital-media-literacy-fundamentals/media-literacy-fundamentals
Smith, J. (2020, November 1). EDCI 338 A01 – Smith, Julie. EDCI_338 YouTube. Retrieved from EDCI 338 A01- SMITH, JULIE
vinceyue says:
Good job! I think it is better to have some examples to make readers understand better having a PLN that values media literacy is definitely important. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
November 8, 2020 — 3:32 pm
jixuansun0831 says:
Great post! I agree with the words you quoted. PLN, which values media literacy, encourages individuals to question, evaluate, understand, and appreciate their multimedia culture, and teach them to become active and active media consumers and users. It can also help people diversify their PLN and deal with individuals from all over the world, which can add value to their professional work. Thank you for sharing!
November 8, 2020 — 9:14 pm