Category: EC&I 832

I know what you are probably thinking: is she just starting her major project in November?! Well to start, let me put your mind at ease by stating that I have been working on my project, on the down low, for the last two months. So why have I not been …

This week, I explored the concept of media literacy, which is defined by the National Association for Media for Literacy Education as “the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act using all forms of communication” (What is Media Literacy? Media Literacy Defined, n.d.). When I initially read over this definition, it reminded me of when I was living in Montreal and attempting to learn French. My professor then told me that I would know I was literate in French when I began to dream in French. Therefore, my professor’s definition is that being literate means not just understanding the language in a surface-level way but internalizing it to the point where it becomes a natural part of one’s thought process. Similarly, media literacy extends beyond simply consuming information; it involves a comprehensive set of skills that enable people to engage critically with various forms of communication. Much like dreaming in a language, true media literacy involves seamlessly navigating, analyzing, and creating content in the ever-evolving realm of technology and media. It is more than just recognizing information; it is the ability to decode, interpret, and actively participate, empowering people to make informed decisions. It is important to highlight the subconscious nature of dreaming because I did not consciously translate the words or phrases; instead, my mind effortlessly grasps the meaning and context without interpretation. Media literacy fluency involves a similar instinctive understanding of the underlying messages, motives, and nuances embedded within media. When you dream in a language, it signifies a level of immersion and comfort with that language. Similarly, media literacy fluency implies an immersion in the digital realm, where individuals feel comfortable navigating the ever-evolving realm of technology, social media, and various communication platforms. Therefore, my view of media literacy is not just a set of skills but a deeply ingrained aspect of my cognitive processes that allows me to perceive, interpret, and interact with the world around me. Let’s dive a little deeper into my comparison between dreaming in a language and being media literacy fluent. Much like language fluency, media literacy fluency operates on a scale. At the basic level, individuals may be able to recognize common symbols, like the TikTok logo, and understand straightforward messages, like funny TikTok videos. However, they would not understand the intricacies of the app or feel comfortable editing and posting their own content. As individuals progress to independent users, they develop the ability to analyze and evaluate more complex forms of media. Therefore, individuals at this level might be able to navigate diverse communication platforms, identify credible and non-credible sources, and begin to critically assess the information they encounter. As individuals become proficient users, they can not only decode information but also actively engage with it, creating content and participating in meaningful online discussions. Finally, at the highest level, individuals achieve a media literacy mastery similar to first-language speakers. At this level, individuals not only consume and create media seamlessly but also act as critical influencers, shaping digital narratives and creating a media-literate community. This means that most social media influencers are fluent in media literacy, which is something I never previously considered. However, just as language learners can move backwards on the scale, so can individuals that were once media literacy fluent. The emergence of new technologies, platforms, and applications may cause once fluent individuals to become basic users if they do not learn, engage, and adapt. So, in conclusion, media literacy, like language proficiency, is a dynamic and evolving skill that progresses along a fluency scale. Just as dreaming in a language represents a subconscious mastery, media literacy fluency is an instinctive, deeply ingrained ability to navigate, interpret, and contribute meaningfully in the digital world. Whether you find yourself at the basic level or striving for mastery, the journey towards media literacy parallels the quest for language proficiency, as they both involve continuous learning, adaption, and a nuanced understanding of the ever-changing landscapes. Questions to Ponder As you continue to think about media literacy in relation to language proficiency, consider the following questions: Have you ever had a similar experience with language learning or media literacy, where you felt a shift from surface-level understanding to a more immersive, subconscious mastery? Where do you see yourself on the media literacy fluency scale described in my post? What steps have you taken to progress? Have you experienced a regression in your media literacy skills due to changes in technology or platforms? Resources Potter, W. J. (2010). The State of Media Literacy. Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 54(4), 675-696. https://doi.org/10.1080/08838151.2011.521462 What is Media Literacy? Media Literacy Defined. (n.d.). Namle. https://namle.net/resources/media-literacy-defined/

The date is September 5th, 2023. A naive, ambitious Kendyll messages her EC&I 832 prof describing her excitement for her final project, asking if she could explore not only ONE of the recommended topics for the final project, but to fuse TWO of the options together. Both are so intriguing to her and she couldn’t […]

When I think of literacy I have, what appears to be a “flowchart” of thoughts run through my mind as I process the word. My mind instantly takes me to reading; literacy of comprehension and understanding written text. Soon after my mind seems to recognize other aspects of literacy, and usually goes straight to a […]

When I chose this topic for the catalyst assignment, I knew I wanted to explore beyond the digital aspect of what it means to be media literate today’s world. When we think media literacy, it’s no surprise we immediately think of Digital Citizenship and digital literacy. Afterall, in a digitally-rich world, technology allows us toContinue reading “Do You See What I See?”

When I began my teaching career over two decades ago, the idea of digital identity was not even on my radar.  I was familiar with my dial-up internet, personal emails, Windows ’98 and a touch of Google.  This was before the existence of mainstream social media.  Today, my digital identity is an integral part ofContinue reading “Interconnected Identities”