We discuss how different theories of moral development can be applied to questions about ethical use of media. In our second article, we trace the connections between the ethics of media use and the role that media literacy plays in reclaiming our power as citizens.
Critical construction of media is a vital and necessary step towards digital citizenship and full participation in our media culture. In this issue, we discuss the benefits of critical media production programs for students, and demonstrate how they can be successfully implemented in K-12 schools. In our research section, we explore the theory and practice of critical media construction in schools, including the responsibilities implied by global distribution of student content. Media literacy pioneer Barry Duncan passed away in June.
We present some of the basics for integrating media literacy education into the Common Core. And we interview teacher educator Jeff Share from the UCLA Center X Teacher Education Program (and CML alumnus), who speaks to the possibilities for shaping implementation of the standards to meet the needs of media literacy educators.
Media literacy training helps consumers of all ages make reasoned, reflective decisions of all kinds in a society where media frequently supply our sources of information. Media literacy instruction helps us understand how media can affect us emotionally, how they can color our perceptions, and how they can shape our choices. Based on our years of experience in the field, many children don‘t believe that the media influence them at all. Yet research shows that media are a primary socializing agent in society.
In this issue of Connections, we examine the founding principles and ‘big ideas’ of media literacy which Len Masterman developed to prepare students for life in the 21st century. The Voices of Media Literacy project includes interviews from international pioneers in the field.
The Core Concepts provide a strong foundation for developing critical thinking skills about media, and life. Read a compressed version of an article recently published by The Journal of Media Literacy Education “The Core Concepts: Fundamental to Media Literacy Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.”