Media and Information Literacy

Text Media and Information

The hand is one of the most symbolized part of the human body. It is often used to depict skill,
action and purpose. Through our hands we may learn, create and accomplish. Hence, the hand in
this learning resource signifies that you as a learner is capable and empowered to successfully
achieve the relevant competencies and skills at your own pace and time. Your academic
success lies in your own hands!
Definition of Terms

Formal text-based materials

Are created and distributed by established institutions (such as publishing companies, news
agencies, etc.) and go through a rigorous process of editing or evaluation and are usually
governed by censorship of the state.
Informal text-based materials
Information that comes from personal opinions
Text
A simple and flexible format of presenting information or conveying ideas whether hand-
written, printed, or displayed on-screen.
Text media
Are publications that disseminate information through media products.
Typography
The style, arrangement, or appearance of printed letters on a page

Media and other information providers play a central role in information and communication
processes. Nowadays, media become the common outlet of self- expression and creativity. Its
huge influence spreads speedily across the globe. The connection between technological
advances and people’s connectivity created a huge impact on the lives of today’s generation.
This module covers all the above- mentioned concepts.
TEXT MEDIA

Text refers to a simple and flexible format of presenting information or conveying

ideas whether hand-written, printed, or displayed on-screen. It is available in
different sources whether formal or informal. Formal text-based are created and
distributed by established institutions and go through a rigorous process of editing
or evaluation. Informal text-based on the other hand, come from personal opinions
or views on different issues.

Text media are publications that disseminate information through media products
such as newspapers, flyers, books, magazines, tarpaulins, advertisements,
television, banners, websites, and posters. Furthermore, design elements and
principles in text media are effective means of conveying a message. These design
principles and elements are as follows:
 refers to the importance or value given to a part of the text-
Emphasis based content.

Appropriateness refers to how fitting or suitable the text is used for a specific
audience, purpose, or event.
refers to how near or how far are the text elements from each
Proximity other.

Alignment refers to how the text is positioned on the page. This can be left,
right, center or justified.
Organization refers to a conscious effort to organize the different text
elements on a page.
Repetition concerns consistency of elements and the unity of the entire
design.
Contrast creates visual interest to text elements. Contrast is achieved
when two elements are different from each other.

In our exposure to text media and information, we can either be a consumer or a

producer of content. As a consumer, these are the questions that you need to ask
with regards to the content of text media and information:
• Who or what institution is sending this message?
• What techniques are used to attract and hold attention?
• What is the language used by the writer?
• What views are represented? Are they balanced?
• How might the message be interpreted in different ways?
• What is omitted, slurred, or added in the message?
As a producer of text media and information, we need to review the media and
information design framework: target audience, author, or sender, key content,
purpose, form/style, and format.
Text as visual

a. Typeface (also called font, font type, or type) refers to the representation or style of
a text in the digital format.
b. A typeface is usually comprised of alphabets, numbers, punctuation marks,
symbols and other special characters. When fonts are installed in the computer,
they usually come in file formats such as True Type Font
c. In the absence of images or drawings, the text is the easiest way of
communicating to your audience. The use of various font types can express
different emotions or meanings.

Types of Typefaces:
Serif

Sans Serif
 Slab Serif

Script

Decorative

Furthermore, study the image below on how text information and media create better
messages through the use of text elements and designs.

Enlarging and
emboldening
the text shows
emphasis.

Presentation
of
information
uses
appropriate
alignment. Text in white
over dark
background
Texts and creates visual
illustration interest to it.
were
presented
through
compartmen
talization. Repetition of
text type and
shape suggests
consistency
Combination of text elements and design as shown in the newspaper above helps
improve understanding of the intended message towards the audience.
Understanding how these elements and designs function will lead to effective
learning.