There are many new concepts discussed last night, and filter bubble is one of them. The Filter Bubble is dedicated to creating an exclusive and personalized world for everyone. People enjoy the benefits it brings to people, but it is difficult to notic…
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Warning: Project Under Construction!
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 …
Continue readingDreaming & Media Literacy Fluency
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/
Continue readingMajor Project Update
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 […]
Continue readingLiteracy, literally.
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 […]
Continue readingDo You See What I See?
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?”
Continue readingMajor Project Updates #2
As I mentioned in Major Project Update #1, I will develop a ready-to-use curriculum on digital citizenship and media literacy aimed at equipping newcomer youth with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the digital age. This course includes two lessons. Lesson one focuses on digital citizenship. Lesson two focuses on media literacy. I mainly focus on developing the content of digital citizenship this week. There are some updates as follows: 1. Develop the course objectives: I have demonstrated some learning objectives for digital citizenship. For example, upon completion of lesson one, students can demonstrate responsible online behaviour, understand digital footprint and how to protect personal information, understand how to be a good digital citizen, and how to take responsibility to be a good digital citizen. 2. Develop the course structure: there are five modules in the lesson one: Module 1: Definition & Vocabulary Understanding of key definitions and vocabularies Module 2: Safe Online Behavior Understanding of safe online behaviour and examples Module 3: Digital Trails Understanding of digital footprint and how it is created Module 4: Digital Citizen Learn how to be a good digital citizen Module 5: Our Responsibility What it means to be a good digital citizen and how to take responsibility 3. Develop the course delivery methods: participants will engage in group discussion, case studies, real-life scenarios, and hands-on exercises. The course will emphasize practical application and critical thinking. 4. Develop the course resources: I have prepared a variety of resources, including readings, videos, and online tools. I have used resources from different websites related to the course content, such as MediaSmarts and the Government of Canada. 5. Challenges: there are numerous resources available for learning about digital citizenship, but the abundance of options can be overwhelming. I need to critically think and make decisions to narrow down my choices of resources. For example, I prioritize to use the content from MediaSmarts. It is a Canadian non-profit organization that provides free digital and media literacy resources for educators, parents, and students. 6. Looking ahead: I almost completed creating lesson one about digital citizenship. Next week, I will start generating lesson two about media literacy. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue this important project.
Continue readingWeek #8 Reflection: What does it mean to be media literate in today’s world?
What does it mean to be literate today?
According to UNESCO, literacy is a continuum of learning and proficiency in reading, writing, and using numbers throughout life and is part of a large set of skills, which include digital skills, media literacy, …
Plan about the Major Project: Digital Citizenship & Media Literacies
As an Employment Instructor at Catholic Family Services Regina, I consistently deliver computer classes for newcomer youth. One challenge I have identified is that many newcomer youth do not understand how to protect themselves when using social media….
Continue readingWeek #7 Reflection: Teaching Digital Citizenship
Giving the younger generation a clear understanding of the opportunities and risks of the digital age has become an educational and public policy goal of governments and organizations around the world. One of the emerging consensus in digital citizensh…
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