Media Literacy

The development of the Internet, and the wide spread use of computers and digital applications has changed the way we define literacy. Now-a-days, especially in developed countries like the United States, people assume and think that everyone should know how to access the internet and use basic software and tools such as emails or Microsoft’s office applications. Digital media has become part of our daily routine. We cannot live without it. For example, companies have digitalized almost everything from small product bar codes to toll free sensors. Furthermore, almost everything is wireless with dynamic IP. Cell phones, mobile devices, and wireless communication technologies are evolving and invading almost all aspects of our live.

It is not any more a matter of opinion whether to use it or not; it is a matter of surviving in this competitive technological world.

Digital media has become easier to learn as companies compete to offer practical and easy-to-use interfaces. Because of intense competition, many companies offer their applications for free. In his writing, Ohler (2009) stated “But because of inexpensive, easy-to-use, and widely available new tools, literacy now requires being conversant with new forms of media as well as text, including sound, graphics, and moving images. In addition, it demands the ability to integrate these new media forms into a single narrative, or ‘media collage,’ such as a Web page, blog, or digital story”.

The Internet has changed the way we communicate, share and work. It has raised the minimum requirement of how we should define Media literacy. Expectation is high.

In another 2009 writing, David stated that, “Media literacy in the past tended to focus on alerting students to stereotypes, advertising, and propaganda and on protecting them from undesirable influences. Today's digital media literacy encompasses many additional topics, from using search engines, to creating Web sites and online profiles, to participating in social networking. One of the most basic Strands of media literacy emphasizes the skills and knowledge students need to locate and critically assess online content.”

Newer generations are more flexible and accepting of new technologies. They are digital learners, open to new technologies and possessing the gift of multitasking, especially when it comes to computers and digital media. It is now our choice to be part of the digital dynamic movement. 

Mohamed Bahrani

References

Ohler, Jason. (2009). New-Media Literacy. Academe, 95(3), 30-33. Retrieved on August 13, 2009, from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=4&hid=102&sid=10e60cfa-81a7-4b5b-bc6b-12cae96a045e%40sessionmgr111&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d

David, Jane L. (2009). Teaching Media Literacy. Educational Leadership, 66(6). Retrieved on August 13, 2009, from http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=5&hid=9&sid=10e60cfa-81a7-4b5b-bc6b-12cae96a045e%40sessionmgr111&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=36666633

Resources:

http://www.medialit.org/