Media Literacy as a Life Skill for Pennsylvania Children and Youth

Renee HobbsTemple University

Philadelphia PA

 

Developing Life Skills forHealthy Decision-making

Media literacy is useful for exploring many aspects of contemporary life, including:

Substance abuse Aggression and bullying Gender and racial representations Relationships and sexuality Nutrition, fitness, body image and weight management Media addictions and media in family life Ethics of online communication

Types of Media booksnewspapersmagazines

moviestelevision shows

radio &music

videogamesInternetemailcell phones

Middle School Students Spend8 hrs/day in Screen Activity

Middle School Students Spend8 hrs/day in Screen Activity

Most have a TV in their bedroomWatch 6 – 12 movies per weekListen to 15 hours of music weeklyList three or more favorite celebrities, athletes or musiciansUse social media websites for 40 minutes per daySome create original content while online

Middle School Students Spend8 hrs/day in Screen Activity

Most have a TV in their bedroomWatch 6 – 12 movies per weekListen to 15 hours of music weeklyList three or more favorite celebrities, athletes or musiciansUse social media websites for 40 minutes per daySome create original content while online4 of 5 teens say they rarely discuss media & technology issues with parents or other adults

Media today is mobile and user generated Media Today is Mobile and User-Generated

Citizen

Educator

Parent

Our Love/Hate Relationship with Media & Technology

Self

Instant Message, Instant Girlfriend

By ROGER HOBBS

For several years I had a problem unusual among Internet geeks: I had too much success with women. I used the Internet as a means of communication with women I had already met offline in order to overcome my social awkwardness and forge romantic relationships.

Sounds healthy? It wasn’t.

It started in my sophomore year in high school…

May 25, 2008

I was blinded by the common belief that somehow a relationship forged on the Internet isn’t real. When I saw that fated text message — “I love you” — I realized the truth. The Internet is not a separate place a person can go to from the real world. The Internet is the real world. Only faster.

May 25, 2008

Instant Message, Instant Girlfriend

+

….the ability to access, analyze, evaluate and communicate

messages in a wide variety of forms

What is Media

Literacy?

Exploring mass media, popular culture and digital media

What Life Skills do We Need for Navigating Digital Media?

Using Tools & Technology Resources

Well

Critical Analysis, Reflection

& Ethics

Teamwork&

Problem-Solving

Creativity &

Expression

Building Analysis and Critical Thinking Skills with theMedia Literacy Remote Control

Captain Morgan Rum

Use the critical questions to analyze the message

Analyze an Alcohol Ad

1.Who is the author and what is the purpose?

Analyze an Alcohol Ad

2.What techniques are used to attract and hold attention?

3. What lifestyles, values and points of view are represented?

The ad suggests a meaning. It doesn’t state the meaning directly.

What are some possible messages that the advertiser wants you to think or feel after viewing this ad?

4.How might different people interpret this message?

5.What is omitted?

What is the difference between representation

and reality?

Captain Morgan Deconstructed1. Purpose

This is a print ad designed to make young women want to drink Captain Morgan Rum. They spent $14 million in 2006 on advertising.

The drawn cartoon character and cartoon-like boots contrast with the realistic photograph. It catches your attention.

2. TechniquesRed is a big contrast with the dark colors of the outdoor, nighttime setting.

4. Different InterpretationsSome people will see this girl as a role model– others will not.

3. Subtext•You’ll get attention if you drink alcohol.

•You can dress and actoutrageously if you drink alcohol.

5. Representation – RealityWhen people drink, they can do stupid things to make themselves the center of attention – in a very negative and dangerous way.

Key Concepts of Media Literacy All messages are constructed. Each medium has different characteristics, strengths and a unique “language” of construction. All messages contain embedded values and points of view. People use their individual skills, beliefs, and experiences to construct their own meanings from messages. Messages must be considered within a social, political and economic context. Media and media messages can influence beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviors and the democratic process.

http://mediaeducationlab.com

Integrating ML Across the Curriculum

1. Teaching With Media & Technology2. Making Connections with Out-of-School Literacies3. Developing Information Access & Research Skills4. Strengthening Message Analysis Skills5. Composing Messages using Multimedia6. Exploring Media Issues in Society7. Sharing Ideas and Taking Action

 

Developing Life Skills forHealthy Decision-making

Media literacy is useful for exploring many aspects of contemporary life, including:

Substance abuse Aggression and bullying Gender and racial representations Relationships and sexuality Nutrition, fitness, body image and weight management Media addictions and media in family life Ethics of online communication

Media today is mobile and user generated Media Today is Mobile and User-Generated

Building Analysis and Critical Thinking Skills with theMedia Literacy Remote Control

The Big Picture for Life in a Digital Nation

Media Literacy at

School

Understanding Children’s and

Teens’ Media & Technology

Practices

Media Literacy at

HomeCritical

Thinking, Reflection, &

Ethics Creativity & Expression

Collaboration & Teamwork

Promoting Habits of Inquiry

Critical Thinking

The purpose of media literacy education is to

help individuals of all ages develop the habits of inquiry andskills of expression that they need

to be critical thinkers, effective communicators and

active citizens in today’s world.

--Core Principles of Media Literacy Education, AMLA, St. Louis (2007)

http://mediaeducationlab.com

CONTACT: Renee HobbsTemple UniversitySchool of Communications and TheaterMedia Education LabPhiladelphia PA 19122Email: renee.hobbs@temple.eduPhone: (215) 204-4291Web: http://mediaeducationlab.com