Building Media Literacy

            Building media literacy is a necessity for students entering the global community. Since all students are expected to be global citizens’ media literacy in all subjects needs to be taught. Being a global citizen involves many of the same attributes as someone who has media literacy. Being a global citizen means being able to ask questions and think critically about a topic (Oxfam, 2015). It also means exploring local and global views when talking about complexity of issues (Oxfam, 2015). Once students can do these things then they can be reflective of their informed actions (Oxfam, 2015). Media literacy is needed in order to complete these actions.

            Media literacy is about students being informed by multiple perspectives. Having media literacy means that students can use media wisely and effectively (Ithaca College, 2016). Before using media students have to evaluate the information as well as evaluate information from other sources as well (Ithaca College, 2016). Students then can use the understanding and multiple perspectives to create their own media in different formats (Ithaca College, 2016). Looking at the media literacy skills, they fall right into the skills of a global citizen.

            By teaching students, the critical thinking and creative thinking skills that are required by ISTE, students are more prepared to be global citizens than ever before (ISTE Standards: Students, 2007). Students are bombarded with media day in and day out from their social media accounts, news, google, and many other places. This media can reference information from all over the world and impact people all over the world. The skills from being media literate not only allow students to read this information critically and make an informed decision about the information but can take these skills and apply them to jobs outside the classroom. Students can create presentations or other media to communicate the information which may be a skill that is called upon when the student is in the working world.

International Society of Technology in Education. (2007). ISTE Standards: Students. Retrieved from ISTE: https://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/20-14_ISTE_Standards-S_PDF.pdf

Ithaca College. (2016). Project Look Sharp. Retrieved from Project Look Sharp: http://www.projectlooksharp.org/Resources%202/6MLConcepts.pdf

Oxfam. (2015). Education for Global Citizenship. Retrieved from oxfam.org.uk/education: file:///C:/Users/Beth/Downloads/Global_Citizenship_Schools_WEB.pdf