Literacy is a term that most of us are familiar with. Typically speaking literacy is simply defined as, "The quality or state of being literate, especially the ability to read and write." This definition has drastically changed in the past ten years, however. Where being literate used to be as simple as English skills, literacy has now morphed into an entirely different concept. Literacy has now shaped and changed into being able communicate your thoughts and findings in a respectful, socially acceptable manner, while also being able to read and interpret other people's messages. Literacy now requires a whole new skill set, specifically along the technological front.
Media literacy is a very new concept to most of us. For the majority of people today, the internet is just an everyday tool. Media literacy is about taking this tool and using it to further your understanding of what messages people sending. Jane Tallim defines media literacy as, "The ability to sift through and analyze the messages that inform, entertain and sell to us every day. It's the ability to bring critical thinking skills to bear on all media— from music videos and Web environments to product placement in films and virtual displays on NHL hockey boards." In more simple terms, media literacy is all about understanding. You may see the web page, but do you really grasp the message that it is trying to convey?
Stop and think about how much media you truly take in every day. Facebook posts, YouTube videos, google searches- all of these are media! Media is everywhere, and it is constantly changing and shaping not only those who see it, but the world as a whole. Yet we all have the power to use media! Just by writing this blog, I am adding to the world of media. How will you use media to get across your message?
Media literacy is a very new concept to most of us. For the majority of people today, the internet is just an everyday tool. Media literacy is about taking this tool and using it to further your understanding of what messages people sending. Jane Tallim defines media literacy as, "The ability to sift through and analyze the messages that inform, entertain and sell to us every day. It's the ability to bring critical thinking skills to bear on all media— from music videos and Web environments to product placement in films and virtual displays on NHL hockey boards." In more simple terms, media literacy is all about understanding. You may see the web page, but do you really grasp the message that it is trying to convey?
Stop and think about how much media you truly take in every day. Facebook posts, YouTube videos, google searches- all of these are media! Media is everywhere, and it is constantly changing and shaping not only those who see it, but the world as a whole. Yet we all have the power to use media! Just by writing this blog, I am adding to the world of media. How will you use media to get across your message?
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