THE SEED MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Media and Information Literacy

Communication is a process by which information is exchanged between individuals

though different forms of media.

Media describes any channel of communication. It includes anything from printed paper
to digital media, and encompasses art, news, educational content, and numerous other
forms of media.

Why is it important to become media and information literate individual?

According to National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE), media

literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act using all forms of
communication. It represents a necessary, inevitable, and realistic response to the
complex, ever-changing electronic environment and communication cornucopia that
surround us. Moreover, it empowers people to be critical thinkers, and makers, effective
communicators and active citizen. While information literacy is a crucial skill which
involves the ability to efficiently locate, accurately evaluate, effectively use, and clearly
communicate information in various formats. It also refers to the ability navigate the
rapidly growing information environment, which encompasses an increasing number of
information suppliers as well as the amount supplied. An information literate individual
should be able to:
 Identify information needs and determine the extent of information needed.
Clearly and concisely define the question to be answered, and realize that
the question may evolve.
 Locate and retrieve appropriate sources of information.
 Understand the structure of information: how it is produced,
disseminated, organized, cataloged, stored, and retrieved,
and how these factors vary by discipline
 Use indexes and other search tools effectively and efficiently
to find specific resources
 Evaluate information and its sources critically.
 Understand different types of sources and formats, and how
to use them.
 Evaluate the relevance and reliability of the information
retrieved.
 Synthesize the information retrieved, integrate it into one’s current
knowledge base, and successfully apply it to the original information need.

This material may be used only for Educational Purposes. They include extracts of copyright works copied under
copyright licenses. Where the material is provided to you in electronic format you may download or print it for your
own use. You may not download or make a further copy for any other purpose.
  Present this acquired knowledge so others can use it.
 Determine the audience’s needs and best presentation format;
know the standards criteria for presenting information in the
relevant subject/field/discipline.
 Properly cite sources: direct the audience to sources of further
information and acknowledge one’s sources.
 Translate these abilities and concepts to the new projects and
disciplines.

What should be the characteristics of users and producers of media?

1. Literate individuals demonstrate independence with text. They can,

independently, with little guidance from teachers and peers, comprehend varied,
complex print and digital texts, communicate and build on others' ideas, and
understand and apply academic and discipline-specific vocabulary and conventions
of English. They know how to use strategies and employ them when necessary to
comprehend texts and apply literacy knowledge and skills.
2. Literate individuals build strong content knowledge. They acquire and share
knowledge of subject matter through reading, writing, and speaking as well as
research and study. They read and understand discipline-specific texts and become
experts in the content.
3. Literate individuals respond to varying demands of audience, task, purpose,
and discipline. They set and adjust their communication in relation to audience, task,
purpose, and discipline. They understand how words affect meaning in writing and in
speech, depending on the audience and the purpose, and how different disciplines
call for providing different types of evidence.
4. Literate individuals comprehend as well as critique. They understand and can
explain what writers, speakers, and visual and mixed media creators are saying
through their texts, but they also know how to analyze and examine these texts
critically. They question an author's assumptions and biases and evaluate the veracity
and logical reasoning of the claims.
5. Literate individuals value evidence. They can cite evidence to support their
interpretation of text, both verbally and in writing. They also communicate their
reasoning effectively and know how to evaluate the reasoning and arguments of
others.
6. Literate individuals use technology and digital media strategically and capably.
They employ technology thoughtfully and effectively and can determine which media
are best suited for their communication goals. They also synthesize information found
through various media and technologies.
This material may be used only for Educational Purposes. They include extracts of copyright works copied under
copyright licenses. Where the material is provided to you in electronic format you may download or print it for your
own use. You may not download or make a further copy for any other purpose.
7. Literate individuals come to understand other perspectives and cultures. They
encounter perspectives and ways of life that are different from their own through
reading, writing, and listening, and they are able to work and communicate effectively
with peers of diverse backgrounds. Through reading multicultural literature, they have
new experiences that expand their cultural understanding and sensitivity.

Types of Media

1.) Print Media (Book, Magazines, Newspapers)

Print media is one of the oldest forms of sharing and gathering information as it
reaches a wider target audience. It consists of paper and ink reproduced in a
printing process that is traditionally mechanical. The distinguished features of print
media are regularity, content and timelessness.

2.) Broadcast (TV, Radio)

Broadcast media refers to the transmission of signals, messages, or content, such
as audio or video to numerous recipients simultaneously over a communication
network. Unlike print messages, television and radio messages disappear as soon
as they are transmitted. Messages can be stored on tape and other means but
usually they reach listeners and viewers in a nonconcrete form. TV is especially
distinctive because it engages several senses at once with sound, sight and
movement. Films or movies can also be considered a broadcast media.

3.) Digital/New Media

New media refers to the means of communication using digital technologies such
as the Internet.

Traditional Media VS New Media

Traditional Media
1.) Media experience is limited.
2.) It is one-directional
3.) Some receptors used are very specific.
New Media
1.) Media experience is more interactive.
2.) Audience are more involved and can send feedback simultaneously.
3.) It integrates all the aspects of old media.

This material may be used only for Educational Purposes. They include extracts of copyright works copied under
copyright licenses. Where the material is provided to you in electronic format you may download or print it for your
own use. You may not download or make a further copy for any other purpose.
What is Media Convergence?

Media Convergence is the interconnection of information and communication

technologies, computer networks, and media content. It transforms established
industries, services, and work practices and enables entirely new forms of content to
emerge.

Media convergence is the ability to transform different kinds of media into digital code
which is accessible by a range of devices. It happens when different (two or more) media
sources join together.

What are the roles of media as a foundation of democracy?

1.) It informs citizens of what is happening. (Monitoring Function)

2.) It educates the audience of the meaning and significance of facts or
information.
3.) It provides a platform for public discourse.
4.) It serves as the channel for advocacy.

Sources:

https://www.techopedia.com/definition/1098/media

https://namle.net/publications/media-literacy-definitions/

https://www.wesleyan.edu/libr/infoforyou/infolitdefined.html#

http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/116023/chapters/What-Is-a-Literate-Individual¢.aspx

https://www.creativedisplaysnow.com/articles/history-of-communication-from-cave-drawings-to-the-web/

This material may be used only for Educational Purposes. They include extracts of copyright works copied under
copyright licenses. Where the material is provided to you in electronic format you may download or print it for your
own use. You may not download or make a further copy for any other purpose.