Media literacy skills are crucial in today's information-saturated world. These skills include accessing, analyzing, evaluating, and creating media content. They empower us to navigate the digital landscape critically and responsibly.

Developing these skills involves mastering search techniques, deconstructing media messages, and assessing content credibility. It also requires understanding ethical considerations like respecting intellectual property and protecting privacy. These abilities are essential for informed citizenship and effective communication.

Fundamental Media Literacy Skills

Key skills for media literacy

• Access
  • Demonstrates proficiency in locating and utilizing media and technology tools effectively
  • Comprehends strategies for conducting online searches and retrieving relevant information (search engines, databases)
• Analyze
  • Examines the composition and structure of media messages critically
  • Identifies key elements such as authorship, purpose, and perspective (bias, agenda)
  • Assesses the quality and credibility of media content based on established criteria (accuracy, relevance, timeliness)
• Evaluate
  • Determines the trustworthiness and significance of media content
  • Considers the potential impact and ramifications of media messages on individuals and society (influence on beliefs, behaviors)
  • Differentiates between factual information and subjective opinions, recognizing instances of bias and manipulation (propaganda, misleading claims)
• Create
  • Employs digital tools and technologies to develop original media content (video editing software, web design platforms)
  • Demonstrates understanding of fundamental media production principles, including purpose and target audience
  • Engages in creative self-expression through various media formats (short films, podcasts, blogs)

Access and analysis of media content

• Accessing media content
  • Acquires effective search techniques to locate relevant information efficiently (keyword selection, Boolean operators)
  • Identifies trustworthy and authoritative sources of information (reputable news outlets, academic journals)
  • Recognizes the influence of algorithms and filters on online experiences and information exposure (personalized search results, social media feeds)
• Analyzing media content
  • Deconstructs media messages to understand their constituent parts and overall structure (visual elements, narrative, persuasive techniques)
  • Identifies persuasive strategies employed in media, such as emotional appeals and logical fallacies (fear mongering, bandwagon effect)
  • Examines the portrayal and representation of various groups and ideas in media (stereotypes, underrepresentation, marginalization)
• Evaluating media content
  • Assesses the accuracy, reliability, and relevance of information based on established criteria (fact-checking, source credibility)
  • Analyzes the context and potential biases of media sources (political affiliations, funding sources)
  • Formulates informed judgments about the merit and quality of media content (artistic value, educational significance)
• Creating media content
  • Develops technical proficiency in media production skills, such as video editing or web design (Adobe Premiere, HTML/CSS)
  • Applies principles of effective communication and storytelling to create compelling media content (narrative structure, visual aesthetics)
  • Participates in the creative process from ideation to distribution (brainstorming, storyboarding, publishing)

Critical thinking in media consumption

• Questions media messages and their underlying assumptions, challenging taken-for-granted notions
• Analyzes the context and purpose of media content, considering factors such as target audience and intended impact
• Evaluates the credibility and reliability of sources, assessing their expertise, objectivity, and track record
• Identifies patterns, connections, and inconsistencies in media representations, recognizing recurring themes and narratives
• Considers multiple perspectives and interpretations of media content, acknowledging diverse viewpoints and experiences
• Reflects on one's own biases and how they shape media consumption and production, recognizing personal blind spots and prejudices
• Engages in reasoned and evidence-based argumentation about media issues, supporting claims with relevant data and examples

Ethical considerations in media literacy

• Recognizing the potential impact of media on individuals and society
  • Considers issues of representation, stereotyping, and bias, examining how media portrayals can influence attitudes and behaviors (gender roles, racial stereotypes)
  • Understands the role of media in shaping attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, recognizing its power to influence public opinion and social norms
• Respecting intellectual property rights and avoiding plagiarism
  • Demonstrates understanding of copyright, fair use, and attribution practices, knowing when and how to cite sources appropriately
  • Gives credit to original creators and sources, acknowledging their contributions and avoiding unauthorized use of their work
• Protecting privacy and security in the digital age
  • Manages personal information and digital footprints responsibly, being mindful of what is shared online and with whom (privacy settings, data minimization)
  • Recognizes the risks and consequences of online sharing, such as identity theft, cyberbullying, and reputational damage
• Promoting responsible and ethical media creation
  • Creates media content that is accurate, fair, and respectful, adhering to principles of journalistic integrity and social responsibility
  • Avoids the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, fact-checking claims and considering the potential harm of false or misleading content
  • Considers the potential consequences of one's media productions on others, being mindful of the impact on individuals and communities (representation, influence)