Building Media Literacy

Media literacy in my simplest definition is the ability to understand and interpret all forms of media. Another definition I found to be perfect was from Renee Hobbs, her definition includes education,"“
Media literacy is primarily conceptualized as a learning outcome within an educational framework that aims to give children and young people opportunities to learn about mass media, popular culture, and communication technologies.”  (Hobbs, 2011)

I really like how she explains the term. Hobbs later wrote about the benefits of media literacy both in English Language Arts and in Health ( both mental and physical). Hobbs wrote,
“Research has shown that media literacy education can improve adolescents' reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking skills.” (Hobbs, 2011)

We must create media literate  students if they are going to be successful adults in the 21st century.  A big part of creating responsible global digital citizens is teaching them to interpret all forms of media. The two work together a more responsible digital citizen will create more media literate students and vice-versa. As the world become more interconnected everyday media literacy and its benefits must be used in the classroom.

Media Literacy. Renee Hobbs. Encyclopedia of Educational Psychology. Ed. Neil J. Salkind and

            Kristin   Rasmussen. Vol. 2.  Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2008. p649-652.