This document outlines the key concepts of media literacy including accessing, analyzing, evaluating, creating, and participating with media messages. It discusses different media types such as books, periodicals, video, audio, and photographs. The document instructs the reader to choose a topic to analyze how the media shapes perceptions of various ideas and how those messages are constructed over the next few weeks. The goal is to develop a critical eye and understanding of media influence.

1. Your Next Mission

2. Definition
Media literacy:
The ability to
• Access
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Participate
With media messages
In all their forms

3. Media Types
• Books
• Periodicals
• Video productions
• Audio productions
• Photographs
Each of these has several
subcategories and
permutations, and can be used
for a wide variety of purposes

4. Access
• We are bombarded by
information every day
• We use a variety of media for
entertainment
• We also seek it out on our own
• What are the messages we are
getting?

5. Analyze
Look at the various parts–
word, sound, image
• What grabs your attention?
• What is emphasized?
• How are facts and information
used and presented?
Consider the meaning
Decipher the subtext (the implied
messages)

6. Evaluate
Consider the work’s
• Currency
• Relevancy
• Authority
• Accuracy
• Purpose

7. Create
Consider something you’ve created.
• How did you use
words, sounds, and/or images?
• What messages were you trying to
send?
• How would you express yourself if
you are trying to get your point
across?
• How do you balance form and
substance?

8. Participate
Messages are meant to work both
ways
Many of the things we
read, watch, or listen to are
prompting us to some sort of
action, whether
commercial, political, or social in
nature
These messages have an impact on
our perception and self-expression

9. For the next few weeks…
We will focus on
• Accessing,
• Analyzing, and
• Evaluating
Messages we receive through
various media

10. Your Mission
Choose a topic. Here are some examples:
• How are blended families with school age children portrayed?
• How does the media portray feminine beauty?
• What is considered a role model in our society?
Remember, you are not LOOKING FOR TRUTH.
You are analyzing and evaluating
• how the many messages we come across daily shape people’s perception
of many big ideas, and
• how those messages are put together.
This will help you develop a critical eye and a great brain!