Lesson 1 - Introduction to Media and Information Literacy

Summary

This lesson introduces media and information literacy, outlining its importance for accessing information, free expression, and education. It defines media as communication tools and literacy as the ability to interpret and communicate using various forms. The lesson distinguishes between media literacy, which involves understanding and critically analyzing media messages, and information literacy, which is about recognizing the need for information and effectively using it. It also touches on technology literacy, emphasizing the need for problem-solving and effective use of technology in the 21st century.

Takeaways

• 📚 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is defined as the ability to access, analyze, and create media, which is crucial for citizens to exercise their rights to freedom of information and expression.
• 🌐 Media literacy involves understanding and utilizing various communication tools effectively, including critical thinking and reflecting on the media created.
• 🔍 Information literacy is the skill set required to recognize the need for information, locate it, evaluate its credibility, and use it effectively, ethically, and legally.
• 🧐 Media literacy helps develop critical thinking skills, understand cultural influences, recognize biases, and discern misinformation, which is vital in the age of 'fake news'.
• 🗣️ Communication is affected by the media used; the quality and duration of communication can be influenced by the chosen medium and any potential interferences.
• 📈 Technology literacy is the ability to use technology tools responsibly and effectively to access, manage, integrate, and communicate information.
• 🤝 Technology literacy fosters creativity, collaboration, research, and digital citizenship, preparing individuals to function effectively in the 21st century.
• 🌟 The components of media literacy include access, evaluation, analysis, creation, reflection, and action, forming a continuous cycle of engagement with media.
• 📝 Literacy, in general, involves a continuum of learning that enables individuals to achieve goals, develop knowledge, and participate fully in society.
• 🌐 The script emphasizes the importance of being media and information literate to contribute to a well-informed and active citizenry, aligned with Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• 📚 The lesson aims to clarify the definitions and distinctions between media literacy, information literacy, and technology literacy, highlighting their interconnections and relevance in today's digital world.

Q & A

What are the objectives of the first lesson in media and information literacy?

The objectives are to describe how communication is affected by media and information, identify the similarities and differences of media literacy, information literacy, and technology literacy, and to weigh the value of being a media and information literate individual.

How is media and information literacy defined in the script?

Media and information literacy is defined as the ability to access, analyze, and create media, which is a prerequisite for citizens to realize their rights to freedom of information and expression.

What is the connection between media and information literacy and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?

Media and information literacy aligns with Article 19, which states that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers.

What are the important terms discussed in the lesson?

The important terms discussed are media, literacy, media literacy, information, information literacy, and technology literacy.

How is media defined in the script?

Media is defined as the physical object used to communicate with or the mass communication physical objects such as radio, television, computers, films, etc., and it is synonymous with tools for communication.

What does literacy involve according to the script?

Literacy involves the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, and communicate using printed, written materials and other means associated with varying contexts, as well as a continuum of learning to achieve goals, develop knowledge and potential, and participate fully in the community and wider society.

What are the components of media literacy?

The components of media literacy include accessing, evaluating and analyzing information, creating a media form, reflecting on the created media form, and acting or establishing the goal set when creating the media.

How does media literacy help in developing critical thinking skills?

Media literacy helps in developing critical thinking skills by enabling individuals to understand and interpret various forms of media, scrutinize, judge, and evaluate which media tools will help in achieving a particular objective.

What is information literacy and what are its components?

Information literacy is a set of skills requiring people to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information. Its components include critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, synthesis, and technology.

How does technology literacy differ from media literacy and information literacy?

Technology literacy is the skill of working independently and with others to responsibly and effectively use technology tools to access, manage, integrate, create, and communicate. It focuses on the ability to use technology for problem-solving, communication, locating and synthesizing information, and developing skills necessary to function in the 21st century.

What are the preparatory skills of a technology literate person as mentioned in the script?

The preparatory skills of a technology literate person include creativity and innovation, communication and collaboration, research and information literacy, digital citizenship, and understanding technology operations and concepts.