Critical Distance and Participatory Immersion

Critical Distancing & Participatory Immersion in Online Learning for Media Literacy Renee Hobbs Temple University Beijing, China October 20, 2007

Media Literacy

An expanded conceptualization of literacy ,

emphasizing the ability to

access, analyze, evaluate and

communicate messages

in a wide variety of forms.

Media Literacy

An expanded conceptualization of literacy ,

emphasizing the ability to

access, analyze, evaluate and

communicate messages

in a wide variety of forms .

Media Studies Education, Learning & Literacy

Media Literacy: Emphasis on Metacognition

Non-Transparent Representations . Messages are

constructed representations with embedded values.

Symbol Systems. Media use unique languages, codes,

genres & conventions that shape content.

Socioeconomic Context . Messages are created and circulate

within a socio-political and economic context.

Meaning & Interpretation . People interpret messages using

lived experiences and prior knowledge.

Impact. Media messages can affect people’s attitudes and

behaviors.

--AMLA Core Principles, 2007

New Media Literacy: Emphasis on Participation

Play:

Play: the capacity to experiment with one’s surroundings as a form of problem-solving Performance: the ability to adopt alternative identities for the purpose of improvisation Simulation: the ability to interpret and construct dynamic models of real-world processes Appropriation: the ability to meaningfully sample and remix media content --Jenkins, 2006, Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture

My Pop Studio http://mypopstudio.com Launched in July 2006

Learning Goals

Users will understand…

1) that people make choices when they construct media and those choices shape the form and content of messages;

2) that there are values present in media messages that imply ideas about people’s attitudes, lifestyle and behaviors.

Combining Creative Production & Critical Analysis

Functions of celebrity culture

Music, marketing and emotion

Time & choice in media consumption

Media’s role in the construction of

personal and social identity

Stereotyping/issues of representation

Impact of multi-tasking on attention

How digital media affects friendships

The beauty ideal

A Model of Program Impact Program Mediators Primary Outcomes Secondary Outcomes Media Literacy Activation of Critical Thinking Skills Activation of Creation Skills Sense of Mastery/ Competence Positive Developmental Outcomes Recognition of Constructedness of Messages Recognition of Values Messages Metacognitive Modeling Knowledge Transfer of Skills to Media Environment Awareness of Media’s Role in Health Proximal Distal Repeated Use Participation in an Online Community Activation of Creation Skills Enjoyment / Play Pleasure

The Balancing Act http://mypopstudio.com Critical Distancing: Media Literacy Skills Participatory Immersion: Learning through Play

Appeal N = 200 girls ages 10 - 12 Critical Distancing: Media Literacy Skills 85% Girls Girls recognize the constructed nature of images in magazines.

Appeal N = 200 girls ages 10 - 12 Critical Distancing: Media Literacy Skills 76% Girls recognize that TV editing affects viewers’ perception of characters.

Appeal N = 200 girls ages 10 - 12 Critical Distancing: Media Literacy Skills 73% Girls recognize that popular music expresses value messages.

How to describe it? Fun 69% Creative 60% Cool 52% Tell a friend? Definitely! 33% Probably 48% 2007 study n = 200 girls aged 10 - 12 Participatory Immersion: Learning through Play

Although respondents were eager to interact with the online game, most did not understand that the website had an educational purpose. Participatory Immersion: Play without Awareness of Learning?

“ The point is to visit and see what you can do. You can design and be creative and if you’re really creative, you can be a designer and this will help the process.” ~ Corrina, 10, CA “ The [multi-tasking activity] is educational, but it’s not like school and math and stuff. It’s educational for people who like cameras and celebrities.” ~ Jenna, 11, NY “ You get to learn about stars and stuff.” ~ Erin, 12, FL Participatory Immersion: Learning through Play

Games provide immersive experiences where users can experience flow states that create pleasure Media literacy games can support critical thinking skills about mass media and popular culture … but immersion may work against the process of developing metacognitive thinking and reflection about the learning process Participatory Immersion: Learning through Play Critical Distancing: Media Literacy Skills

Next Steps for Game Development