This document defines media literacy and discusses its history. Media literacy is defined as the ability to access, analyze, evaluate and create media in various forms. It provides a framework for understanding the role of media in society and developing skills for inquiry and self-expression. The document then discusses the evolution of different media technologies from the 1600s to today. It notes there may be a lack of understanding, or "generation gap", between older and younger generations in their use and reasons for using technologies like the Internet. A case study is referenced that examined this divide between exploring media for entertainment versus needing to know information.

1. WHAT IS MEDIA LITERACY?
MODULE 1: The Basics

2. Introductory Discussion
• Think about the following question on your own
for a few minutes and write down a definition.
Then discuss among the class.
• How do you define media literacy?

3. Discussion Continued
• Watch this video clip “An Ever Changing World”,
which was uploaded in 2009. Discuss among the
class your reflections and other changes you
have seen made in the media since.
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuKu6PZXC
IY

4. Media Literacy Defined
• According to the Center for Media Literacy:
▫ In 1992: Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze,
evaluate and create media in a variety of forms.”
▫ Today: “Media literacy is a 21st century approach to
education. It provides a framework to access, analyze,
evaluate, create and participate with messages in a
variety of forms – from print to video to the Internet. Media
literacy builds an understanding of the role of media in
society as well as essential skills of inquiry and self-
expression necessary for citizens of democracy.”

5. The History
1600s-1700s: 1800s: Early 1900s:
• First newspaper printed. • Development of photography, • First feature film.
• First magazine printed telephone, and • Radio is invented and stations
cinematography. emerge.
Mid 1900s: Late 1900s: 2000s:
• First television and color • The computer is invented. • Rise of digital film and TV.
broadcasted. • Rise of the Internet. • Interactive media develops,
• Newspapers and magazines • Rise of computer games, particularly the Internet.
are digitized. videos, and DVDs.
• Cable and satellite TV.
http://www.disabilityplanet.co.uk/critical-analysis.html

6. Generation Gap?
• The idea of a generation gap in terms of
technology is nothing new, but today technology
is developing faster than ever.
• Is there a lack of understanding between parents
and/or teachers and their students?
• CASE STUDY: “A New Digital Age: Bridging
the Generation Gap”

7. Case Study
• 86 participants asked what kind of technology they
use and how often.
• Expected to see the divide in use of technologies but
it was more in the reason for using these
technologies.
 “Need to know” versus exploration for the sake of
entertainment.
• http://editlib.org/p/27929

8. Assignment 1:
• Participate in the poll on the main page. After
submitting your answer, consider the other
options and write a summary ranking the way
you use these media sources and what for (news,
information, entertainment, etc.)
• In your summary, discuss how your poll answer
would differ from your parents, grandparents,
teachers, etc. and why you think so.