Media Literacy

In class we talked briefly about media literacy and its importance. In literal terms, to be literate means to be able to read and write, but it also means to be able to grasp meanings and understand more abstract content. To possess media literacy is a much more complex thing. Today, the media is it's own, growing, and ever changing world with things expanding and adapting daily.

Defined, media literacy is "a 21st century approach to education. It provides a framework to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and participate with messages in a variety of forms - form print to video to the Internet. Media literacy builds an understanding of the role of media in society as well as essential skills of inquiry and self- expression necessary for citizens of a democracy". Like traditional literacy it is the ability to read and write, but on a whole other level. Today, being able to read, write, and comprehend things in the media could mean anything from being able to read or write binary code to designing an entire website.

Presently, the media is a major, if not the biggest, source of modern culture and entertainment. For those of us who are choosing a career path within the media world, it is the center of many of our lives. It is absolutely vital that we immerse ourselves into anything and everything that allows for us to continue to grow in media literacy.