Media Literacy

When I read the PLS media literacy principles, I remembered a class I took in high school called Broadcast Journalism. Like the PLS principles, we were taught to analyze the media, mostly television. We would pick apart news shows in order to see how messages are portrayed and the target audiences used for different shows.

The PLS principles are evocative and interesting. I believe that "Media Literacy teaches critical thinking skills such as understanding bias and credibility through rigorous analysis of appropriate media documents" is one of the most profound of the principles. As teachers, we strive to show our students how to use critical analysis when they view the world around them."

What better way than to critique the forums that they are confronted with every day (ie media)?

Hobbs' research shows that teachers are branching literacy to also incorporate "media" literacy. In this ever-changing world, students need to be able to interact and scrutinize the world around them. If they are constantly bombarded with television, then they should be aware of how television is being portrayed. More importantly, students should be able to find the faults with the media as well as embrace the positive advantages.

I believe that media literacy not only helps analyze the media, but it also prepares students to analyze other forums, such as their own behavior, literature, etc. The skills used in MEDIA literacy can be used for ALL literacy and ALL facets of life.