Case FOR Media Literacy in Today's Schools
  1. Redefines literacy based on the information revolution.

  2. Is a competency, not a course and therefore interdisciplinary.

  3. Is experiential, hands-on and consistent with learning styles.

  4. Fosters responsible citizenship in a democratic society.

  5. Nurtures group work, cooperative learning and partnership.

  6. Is sensitive to stereotyping, bias and multicultural education.

  7. Is consistent with the critical thinking skills movement.

  8. Is integral to key components of health/wellness education.

  9. Has been successful with at-risk students and retention rates.

  10. Connects the curriculum of the classroom with the curriculum of the living room.

 
Author Bio: 

David Considine coordinates the media literacy graduate program at Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. This article is excerpted with permission from the 1999 edition of his book, Visual Messages: Integrating Imagery Into Instruction.