Lesson 1: what is media?

And for that matter, what is media literacy?

Link back to the mini-course homepage: Krystal Haight Media Literacy Mini-Course

Link back to Unit 1 overview: Unit_1:_Understanding_the_importance_of_media_literacy

Objective: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to define media literacy and describe why it is important for teachers to build students’ media literacy skills.

Activity 1:

What is media? (introductory video)

After watching the above video, please respond to the following prompts. Create a Google Doc in this mini-course's folder: Media Literacy Mini-Course 2016.

Please use the following format for your title: Your First Name.Your Last Name.Lesson 1 (ex: Krystal.Haight.Lesson 1)

Prompts:

What is media?

Why was this video interesting? How is it an example of media?

What are some of the most important media in your life? Why?

Compare our (adults') experiences/practices with media, or 2.0 technology, to the culture of its use with a younger generation (such as students in grades 7-12). Do you think we have similar, or different, experiences? Explain.

Activity 2:

So, now that we have explored what media is, anyway, let's take a closer look at the meaning of "media literacy." Here is a link to a website - Medialiteracynow.org - that wonderfully defines and explores the benefits of media ltieracy: medialiteracynow.org - What is Media Literacy?

After exploring the information on this webpage, please watch this video clip (which is also displayed on the website) that shows students discussing their thoughts about media literacy. Pay close attention to why they feel it is important:Students Discussing Media Literacy

Activity 3:

Review the following article: Media Literacy and Public Health

Now, in your Lesson 1 Google Doc, please respond to the following prompt:

Based on the article, why is media literacy education important in regards to our health? How does this article (along with the information on medialiteracynow.org), support the push towards building students' media literacy skills? How do students feel about media literacy based on the video clip that you watched?

Activity 4:

Please review and provide comments to at least two of your peers' documents for Lesson 1. Think about similarities and differences between your responses to the video clips and article.

Congratulations! You are now ready to move on to...Lesson 2: difference between media and print literacy

References:

Drawing the connection between media literacy and health. Medialiteracynow.org. http://medialiteracynow.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Drawing-the-connection-between-Media-Literacy-and-Public-Health.pdf

Shepherd, D. (2013, March 15). What is media? [Video file]. Retrieved from https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=M89_wjcwzfY