Media and Information Literacy

Information literacy

The ability to know when there is a need for more information and the ability to locate, evaluate, and use the right information according to that need.

Media literacy

The ability to critically consume, understand, analyze, evaluate, and produce any type of media.

Technology literacy

The ability to effectively use technology tools, incorporating information literacy.

Scholarly information

Information drawn from the research of field experts, which is peer-reviewed before publication.

Professional/trade information

Current news and trends about a specific industry, presented by knowledgeable individuals and not necessarily peer-reviewed.

Entertainment/Popular information

Information meant for the general population, often derived from discussions of others' work.

Opinion

A viewpoint, judgment, or statement that is not conclusive and can vary among individuals.

Primary sources

First-hand accounts that provide direct evidence of an event or subject.

thesis and dissertations

diaries

interviews

letters

speeches

photographs

original works of art and literature

examples of primary sources

Secondary sources

Sources that comment on, analyze, or interpret primary sources.

textbooks

biographies

critical reviews

examples of secondary sources

Tertiary sources

Sources that refer to primary or secondary sources, often providing an overview of a topic.

dictionaries

handbooks

tables

encyclopedias

examples of tertiary sources

Media

originating from the word 'medium' which means channel or method.

Mass media

Media that reach a large audience

1980s (specific 1989)

World Wide Web

18th century

Modern Magazines

1895

Invention of Radio

1800

Typewriter

1890s

Film

2005

YouTube

2002

Friendster

2004

Facebook

1876

Telephone

2003

Skype

Media act as channels of information and knowledge through which citizens communicate with each other and make informed decisions

function 1

Media facilitate informed debates between diverse social actors

function 2

Media provide us with much of what we learn about the world beyond our immediate experience

function 3

Media are means by which a society learns about itself and builds a sense of community

function 4

Media function as a watchdog of government in all its forms, promoting transparency in public life and public scrutiny of those with power through exposing corruption, maladministration, and corporate wrongdoing.

function 5

Media essential facilitators of democratic processes and one of the guarantors of free and fair elections

function 6

Media are a vehicle for cultural expression and cultural cohesion within and between nations

function 7

Media function as an advocate and social actor in its own right while respecting pluralistic values

function 8