What is media literacy?

Media literacy is a framework that allows for access to crafting, delivering, and the impacts of media (Trilling & Fadel, 2012). Literacy is defined as the competence and understanding of a particular topic, in this case mastery of media. In this week’s video with Julie Smith, she commented on that there is so much out there now a days, that we need to put in extra work to be able to figure out what really is factual and valid. 

Why is it important?

Media literacy is important because it allows people to sift through information in order to decide what is valid and what is not. It also allows people to understand the use of media and which method are the best, and how to find factual information. It is something that should be more talked about as it is such a helpful tool that everyone should be aware of. 

Why is it dismissed?

Media literacy is often dismissed and the untruthful side of media is easily overshadowed. Most people only want to show the most ideal information on the media, as well as what benefits them. A large amount of sources in the media also only have one motive and that is to make profit from their content, which does not always allow for factual information, therefore media literacy gets dismissed. 

Why should you aim for varied views but the factual consensus in your PLN?

Having a factual consensus in your PLN is very important. Having varied views and reaching a diverse audience is crucial and ensuring that there is a factual consensus in your PLN will highly benefit a diverse audience. In this week’s video, Julie Smith comments on how in today’s media it is very business based and that results in the media primarily will only give viewers what they want to see, instead of multiple viewpoints. 

References:

Fadel, C., & Trilling, B. (2012). 21st Century Skills: Learning for Life in Our Times.