MEDIA AND INFORMATION LITERACY

UNIT 10
 We see media as just a part of our life. It
is a reality we live with, no different from
traffic congestion in the streets or the
changing cost of goods.
 However, media is best seen as a
living, breathing entity unto itself, that
plays a pivotal role in the lives of
individuals as well as in the growth of
society.
 This is best seen in the evolution of
media itself. New media is currently the
most prominent and influential form of
media; as its very nature relies on
advancements in computing, its reach
continues to expand.
 Hence, people must also
expand the ability to harness
it intelligently and ethically.
Media and Information
Literate Individual
Literacy in the
Modern Era
Literacy
 “Literacy” is rooted in knowledge of
reading and writing
 The possession of knowledge or
competence in a field​.
 As such, there are now many ​literacies​,
or ​types of literacy​.
Literacy
 In 1991, E.H. Hiebert discussed literacy as the
ability to actively transform texts, as
opposed to the old notion of simply reading
them.
 In the same year, J. A. Langer took that
further and viewed literacies as “ways of
thinking”.
 Media and Information Literacy​, thus,
is a way of thinking that helps one
navigate the evolving, media-rich
landscape ​to maximize its benefits and
avoid its pitfalls.
 The Impact of
Media and Information
 Just as computer literacy enables a person
to understand how computers work and
make use of different systems.
Information and media literacy empowers
a person to properly use media and
information.
 This empowerment comes from the ability
to view and create media critically, and the
ability to make informed judgments about
the information it provides.
How does media and information literacy
affect the life of an individual?
IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE
 With an Internet connection, you can access
information you need at a moment’s notice,
for tasks like doing a web search while
preparing a report or paper, checking
weather forecasts for a trip, getting up-to-
the-minute developments on specific news
events, and more.
IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE
BETTER PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
 Through these, interested parties may discover job
openings, follow the company’s activities and
accomplishments, and submit inquiries.
 There are other benefits too. The diversity of new media
has even made ​self-employment​ a more viable option
than it was in decades past.
 Furthermore, classes, training sessions, and seminars are
now available online for those seeking ​continued
professional development​.
BETTER PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
VARIED EDUCATIONAL TOOLS
 Many classrooms use digital technology to
offer more complex learning experiences that
cater to students’ varied learning styles.
 Word processors and presentation-making
programs ​are alternatives to the “paper and
pen” method of producing outputs for class.
 A media and information-literate student should
know better than to assume that all this
information is of equal value or appropriateness,
and make wise decisions accordingly.
It is worth noting that ​this​ ​does not simply mean
knowing “where to look” for information that will
complete a class requirement.
How does media and information literacy
affect society?
GREATER ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
 New media’s impact on the economy would include
e-commerce and similar online shopping platforms.
 However, the impact of media and information
affects society on a larger scale.
 Technology and increased information, including a
more sophisticated educational structure, have
created a job market uniquely suited to media and
information-literate learners as applicants.
MORE COHESIVE SOCIAL GROUPS
 New media and emerging technology
have contributed significantly to
bridging physical divides, allowing for
individuals such as family members to
reach out to one another in ways
previously unheard of.
INCREASED AND ENHANCED POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
 Greater awareness of basic political
news and events is made possible
through new media and social media.
GREATER PUBLIC INFORMATION AND EDUCATION
 The general public now has more access to information
that would allow them to intelligently and appropriately
respond to social issues.
 It is much easier to ​put events and remarks in context​,
simply by doing a bit of research on the topic under
debate
 This improved ability to contextualize events allows a
person to ​develop an informed stand on the issue​: an
opinion that is shaped by ​facts​.
 Modern understanding of literacy, the
ability to “transform text instead of
merely consuming it”.
How does media and information literacy
affect the life of an individual?
• IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE
• BETTER PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
• VARIED EDUCATIONAL TOOLS
How does media and information literacy affect
society?
• GREATER ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
• MORE COHESIVE SOCIAL GROUPS
• INCREASED AND ENHANCED POLITICAL
PARTICIPATION
• GREATER PUBLIC INFORMATION AND EDUCATION
END OF UNIT 10