Media and Information Literacy

Communication

  • Communication is fundamental to understanding MIL.

  • McCornak (2014) defines communication as the process of sharing messages or information from one person to another across channels, contexts, media, and cultures.

  • The terms information and media are inherent in the concept of communication.

  • Communication is categorized into:

    • Verbal communication: Using words to relay messages through speech.

    • Nonverbal communication: Using behavior to convey meanings.

Relating Concepts to Communication

  • The speaker intends to share information in the form of a message.

  • The message is transmitted through a channel or medium.

  • The receiver then receives the transmitted message.

Key Definitions

  • Information: Processed data and/or knowledge derived from study, experience, instruction, signals, or symbols.

  • Media: Channels or ways used to transmit or communicate messages (communication tools).

  • Technology: Application of scientific knowledge to improve human life and manipulate the environment. It aims to improve our quality of life.

Relationship to Communication

  • Information: Answers "What do we communicate?" It encompasses messages, thoughts, ideas, learnings, and knowledge.

  • Media: Answers "How do we communicate?" It involves the ways and tools we use to relay messages.

  • Technology: Answers "What can we use to communicate better?" It refers to tools and developments that improve the communication process.

Impact on Communication

  • Example: Sending a text message, but the phone is uncharged.

    • The inability to send the message due to a dead phone highlights how technology can affect communication.

  • During the pandemic:

    • Schools closed, leading to distance learning, which relies on technology like laptops and phones.

    • Unequal access to technology limits access to education.

  • The internet provides vast amounts of information requiring critical evaluation.

    • Fake news is a prime example of problematic information that requires media and information literacy to discern.

Literacy Defined

  • Basic literacy involves the ability to identify, understand, interpret, communicate, and compute using printed and written materials.

  • UNESCO's Definition:

    • Literacy is a continuum of learning that extends beyond reading and writing.

    • Literacy enables individuals to achieve their goals.

    • It develops knowledge and potential.

    • It promotes full participation in the community and wider society.

Key Literacies

Information Literacy

  • The ability to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, effectively use, and communicate information in various formats.

  • Example: Overhearing information at work and knowing how to respond appropriately, especially if the information is false.

Media Literacy

  • The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and communicate information from various types of media (print and non-print).

  • The ability to synthesize or summarize mediated messages.

  • Includes understanding where to acquire news (e.g., TV news vs. social media).

  • Also includes how to effectively present information through different mediums.

Technology Literacy

  • The skills to responsibly use appropriate technology to access, synthesize, evaluate, communicate, and create information.

  • The ability to maximize the potential of available technology.

  • Example: A teacher knowing how to use technological tools in the classroom to enhance teaching.

Media and Information Literacy (MIL)

  • According to the Moscow Declaration on Media and Information Literacy (2012), MIL is a combination of knowledge, attitudes, skills, and practices.

  • It is required to access, analyze, evaluate, use, produce, and communicate information and knowledge creatively, legally, and ethically, respecting human rights.

  • UNESCO (2016) emphasizes that MIL is essential for becoming better members of society.

  • MIL includes:

    • Contributing information and media content wisely.

    • Being aware of one's rights online.

    • Knowing how to address certain issues effectively.

    • Engaging with media and technology to promote equality, free expression, dialogue, and peace.

  • MIL is a broad term encompassing various concepts, including cultural diversity.