INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA AND INFORMATION LITERACY

Understanding Media and Information Literacy

Definition

• Set of competencies for accessing, retrieving, understanding, evaluating, using, creating, and sharing information and media content critically, ethically, and effectively.

• Essential skill for digital natives, immigrants, and aliens.

Key Terminologies

• Media: Means/resources for creating, delivering, sharing, and processing information.

• Information: Processed data and knowledge derived from study, experience, and signals.

• Literacy: Ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, and compute using various materials.

• Technology: Tools that apply knowledge or techniques to perform tasks.

Forms of Media

Categories

• Print Media: Newspapers, magazines, books, journals, comics, brochures.

• Broadcast Media: Television, radio, satellites, mobile phones, films.

• Digital Media: Internet, social media, computers.

Purposes of Media

• Channels of information and knowledge.

• Facilitates informed debates among diverse social actors.

• Means for society to learn and build community.

• Acts as a watchdog for government and promotes transparency.

• Facilitates democratic processes.

Difference Between Data and Information

• Data: Facts, figures, and values generated in large quantities.

• Information: Processed data that possesses meaning or significance.

  • Example: Gas pump records (data) versus analyzing expenses on gas (information).

Technology

• Digital technology/new media typically refers to the Internet, a significant 20th-century innovation.

Literacy within Media and Information Literacy (MIL)

• Media Literacy: Ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in various forms.

• Information Literacy: Recognizing the need for information and effectively communicating it.

• Technology Literacy: Using technological tools responsibly and effectively to manage and communicate information.

Characteristics of Media and Information Literate Individuals

Summary Traits

• Independent: Process texts independently and discuss ideas with others.

• Knowledgeable: Acquire and share deep information about their fields, becoming experts.

• Responsive: Adjust communication style based on the audience and context.

• Critical with Information: Critique content and processing of data while questioning the media.

• Technology Savvy: Effectively use technology to enhance communication.

• Considerate: Acknowledge and respect diverse perspectives and cultures.