Media and Information Literacy Concepts

Media and Information Literacy

• Media Literacy: The ability to read, analyze, evaluate, and produce communication in various media forms. Example: Percy noticing differences in how a political event was portrayed on various news channels.
• Information Literacy: The ability to recognize when information is needed, locate it, evaluate it, use it effectively, and communicate it in various formats. Example: Lola Gloria searching for online information about a medical condition.
• Technology Literacy: The ability to use digital technology, communication tools, or networks to locate, evaluate, use, and create information. Example: Clark adjusting Instagram story privacy settings.

The Evolution of Traditional Media

• Pre-Industrial Age (Before 1700):

  • People discovered fire, made paper from plants, created stone tools and weapons.
  • Developed methods of cave painting and rock art.
  • Examples include cave paintings, clay tablets, papyrus, and Mayan codices.

• Industrial Age:

  • Shift from hand tools to power-driven machines.
  • Development of machine tools and iron production.
  • Invention of the telegraph increased communication during this period.
  • Key inventions included the printing press, telegraphs, typewriters, telephones, and motion pictures.

• Electronic Age:

  • Electronic devices with components like sensors and microchips.
  • The transistor invention significantly advanced communication.
  • Increased efficiency in long-distance communication.
  • Key inventions include radio, television, and mainframe computers.

• Information/New Age:

  • The internet emerged, leading to faster communication and social networks.
  • Provided instant access to information previously unavailable or difficult to find.
  • Examples include mobile phones, internet, web browsers, microblogs, and video platforms.

Media and Information Languages

• Media Language: The way media texts convey meaning to viewers/readers.
• Codes: Signs and symbols to create meaning in media.
  • Symbolic Codes: Socially understood signs. Examples include colors or images.
  • Written Codes: Formal language (headlines, speech bubbles).
  • Technical Codes: How equipment is used (camera angles, editing).
• Conventions: Commonly accepted ways of doing things in media, examples include laugh tracks, or flashbacks.

News

• News refers to information about current events.
• It includes significant events and the opinions/views about such events.
• News often focuses on international and regional issues with subject areas in business, health, weather, and sports.
• Key sources include print, broadcast, and digital media.

Legal, Ethical, and Societal Issues in Media/Info

• Intellectual property: Tangible and intangible values of original creative work.
• Types of Intellectual Property:
  • Patents: Rights over inventions.
  • Trademarks: Distinctive signs for products/services.
  • Copyrights: Rights over creative works
• Issues: Violations of these rights are common issues.

Digital Divide, Addiction and Cyberbullying

• Digital Divide: Gap between those who have access to, and those who don't have access to modern information and communications technology.
• Technology Addiction: Excessive use of technology devices and platforms.
• Mental Effects: Feelings of guilt, euphoria, isolation, and inability to prioritize.
• Cyberbullying: Bullying using electronic means. This may involve exposing embarrassing information online, or sending hurtful messages, name-calling, or spreading false rumors.