Lesson 3_ Types of Media _ Media and Information Literacy

Overview of Media

  • Media is defined as channels or ways to transmit messages and can be referred to as communication tools.

Types of Media

  • There are three major categories:

    • Print Media

    • Broadcast Media

    • New Media

Print Media

  • Definition: Print media consists of paper and ink, typically reproduced through traditional mechanical printing processes.

  • Types of Print Media:

    • Text Media: Flexible format for conveying ideas via written words, either handwritten or printed.

      • Examples include books, letters, newspapers.

    • Visual Media: Uses pictures, photos, and graphics to communicate messages through sight.

      • Examples include infographics, illustrations, billboards, magazine covers.

  • Key Features:

    • Typography: The art of arranging visual components of text.

      • Involves letters formed by lines, impacting readability and message conveyance.

    • Graphic Design: Visual communication process that organizes information for specific purposes, engaging audiences creatively.

Broadcast Media

  • Definition: Reaches target audiences using airwaves as transmission medium, primarily associated with radio and television.

  • Types of Broadcast Media:

    • Audio Media: Uses audio recordings to appeal to auditory senses.

      • Examples include radio broadcasts and audio recordings.

    • Multimedia: Integrates various media types (visual, printed, audio) stored and communicated digitally.

      • Examples include TV shows that combine video, sound, and mixed media.

New Media

  • Definition: Integrates various emerging technologies into a digital platform for content distribution.

  • Characteristics: Involves computers, the internet, and digital communication tools.

  • Examples:

    • Podcasts: Audio recordings discussing various topics.

    • Websites: Repositories of vast information (e.g., wikis, blogs).

    • Augmented reality and multiplayer online games.

    • Concepts like the metaverse represent new forms of social communication.

Media Convergence

  • Definition: The merging of different equipment and tools for producing and distributing information through digitization and computer networking.

  • Characteristics: Occurs when communication, content, and computing combine.

  • Examples of Media Convergence:

    • Communication: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow messaging, sharing of photos/videos, and information dissemination.

    • Education: Learning Management Systems (e.g., Moodle, Google Classroom) support online learning activities.

    • Advertising: Digitized ads are disseminated across multiple platforms, not confined to traditional print.

    • News Reporting: News outlets like CNN have adapted by creating websites and social media accounts for wider accessibility.

    • Entertainment: Multimedia personalities (e.g., Oprah, Kanye West) diversify their reach across multiple media forms.