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Media Literacy

A Basic Guide

What is Media Literacy?

"Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create and act using all forms of communication. In its simplest terms, media literacy builds upon traditional literacy and offers new forms of reading and writing. Media literacy empowers people to be critical thinkers and makers, effective communicators and active citizens." (The National Association of Media Literacy Education).

 

6 Key Concepts in Media Analysis:

1. All media messages are “constructed.”

2. Each medium has different characteristics, strengths, and a unique “language” of construction.

3. Media messages are produced for particular purposes.

4. All media messages contain embedded values and points of view.

5. People use their individual skills, beliefs and experiences to construct their own meanings from media messages.

6. Media and media messages can influence beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviors and the democratic process.

By Project Look Sharp


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