Improving Media Literacy in Lower Education - Research Paper Example

College: Improving Media Literacy in Lower Education Introduction Literacy refers to an individual’s ability to read, write and comprehend certain information. Therefore, media literacy refers to the same capacity, only in this case it involves one’s ability to obtain, examine, understand and even formulate all types of media messages. These are crucial skills in the contemporary world, since information is available through a wide array of complex channels that combine varying sounds, images and text. Individuals from all age brackets must have the ability to comfortably navigate the advanced media environment. This is because media literacy is the only way that people can understand the numerous media messages and express themselves efficiently using the wide range of media technologies and tools. Media literacy is especially important among children and youths upon whom the future of America and the world depends. This is because; by being media literate these individuals are better equipped to interpret complex messages from all forms of media including the internet, newspapers, television, magazines, radio, music, and marketing materials, among others. Another important aspect of media literacy is the fact that it equips people with the skills to create innovative media forms and become active partisans in the prevailing media culture. This paper seeks to provide insight into the way in which education to foster media literacy can promote critical thinking and enhanced participation of youths in the modern media culture. The research primarily focuses on how first person documentaries can not only be utilized as media to convey messages, but also as tools for enhancing media literacy. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the future generations are fully empowered to access, assess and develop new media. Background Although there are numerous media literacy tools presently in use in America, there is need to conduct extensive assessment research to establish the most effective ones. This process is made difficult by the fact that there are varying theoretical and educational foundations upon which the media literacy programs are established. With the extant literature on media literacy it is evident that many researchers concede that it is preferable to integrate emerging concepts of media literacy into existing education curricula, instead of teaching the concepts within a detached context. However, many scholars appear to support the notion that these emergent media tools must gradually replace the traditional ones. For instance, many researchers consider traditional tools of investigative journalism to be outdated. It is for this reason that, they deem modern media tools like first-person documentaries to be the most appropriate investigative methods. This is because; the producers of such films play a crucial role in informing members of the public about occurrence of destructive societal vices like malevolence and corruption (Herrick 45-56). These forms of documentaries, also popularly referred to as personal documentaries are films produced by a person. This is unlike traditional documentaries, which are filmed, edited and produced by a studio. First-person documentaries narrate actual events as they occur and, therefore, report factual realities as opposed to highly altered content. Josh Fox and Michael Moore are two of the most prominent personal documentary makers, who have led this revolution in journalism. Some of these filmmakers’ documentaries have instigated debate in mainstream American society, prompting me to understand the role played by this genre of film to promote social change. The filmmakers are occasionally perceived to be advocates of societal development and betterment of the public. This is a role that television journalists have gradually deserted, as they focus of the most profitable stories. Therefore, these personal documentaries are increasingly becoming useful learning tools as technology advances, and as more people gain the ability to purchase video cameras. With forerunners and role models like Fox and Moore, people are progressively embracing the idea of conveying factual incidents in an effort to foster political and social change (Baym 260-262). First-person documentaries come at a time when broadcasting of television news continually decline as a result of changing procedures and standards in telecommunications (Hull 234). This means that the current generation, popularly known as generation Z must learn to effectively adapt and productively utilize the prevalent media culture. The latter is characterized by excessive utilization of the internet and the social media platforms it supports like Google, FaceBook, Twitter and YouTube, among others (Alvermann and Xu 146-149). This cohort lives in an era where a vast information or knowledge can be shared or critically reviewed around the world almost instantly. This means that this generation has the ability to innovatively utilize these platforms to convey messages that resonate with a broad audience. By following the example set by preceding personal documentaries producer, these youths can create new standards for broadcasting of news and journalism in general. This research is hinged on the fact that telecommunications will continue to evolve over time and it is only rational that, children and the youth, who are future leaders in all sectors, should embrace media literacy efforts. First-person documentaries can play a crucial role in charting the path for media literacy. These films lay a foundation for creation and delivery of captivating yet factual information. They are also crucial learning tools, as they would convey important information about matters relevant to economic, political, and social aspects of the American society. This research paper also provides an argument that documentaries will successfully serve as tools of enhancing media literacy, by delivering realistic messages and influencing the masses significantly. Concepts of Media Literacy Understanding media literacy requires one to first to understand several basic concepts about the extant media system, media messages and the function of media literacy in promoting change in society. Comprehending these fundamental concepts is a crucial initial stride toward appreciating media literacy. According to Kellner (37-39) these concepts can be categorized into three principal classes including basic concepts, intermediate elements and finally, advanced concepts. The basic constructs principally focus on how media affects people. The second category of intermediate concepts evaluates in depth how people discern meaning from messages conveyed. Finally, the advanced concepts evaluate the manner in which society interacts with extant media and the role played by literacy in the discipline to instigate change. These concepts are discussed hereunder within the context of first-person documentaries. Basic concepts The first concept alludes to the media construct of the society’s culture. In the American culture and mainstream society, people’s perception of the truth is molded by the messages and information received through media. Several generations ago, narrators were often people including friends, family and other members of the community. Presently, many people rely on media like music, movies, television and the internet for information. This clearly shows that media and media literacy is constantly evolving and is bound to continue even in the future. Further, with technology advancement and continued affordability of cameras and other recording devices, it is evident that media literacy is moving to a new level, the most logical being personal documentaries. The second basic concept of media literacy is that, messages conveyed via different media affect people’s way of thinking, attitude towards certain issues and eventually actions. This significant influence of the media has been evident in the past, from people’s reactions to news, advertising, games, music, and games, among other media forms (Dyson 103-105). The recent wave of social media popularity is also additional proof for media influence. This explains why media constitute a significant cultural force. In regard to personal documentaries, their popularity is irrefutable from the millions of views that the films get on sharing platforms like YouTube, especially when the films convey human interest stories. This is a clear illustration that these films are potent media tools for message conveyance and enhancement of media literacy. The other basic concept is media’s use of persuasive language. Since the advent of communication, messages are all meant to persuade the audience or make them believe something (Alvermann and Hagood 437). For instance, advertising attempts to attract buyers, television programs and novels are also created in a manner meant to convince the audience of their realism. Documentary films are not any different, and with instantaneous filming of events by personal documentary producers, these media tools are bound to gain more traction as the new form of news broadcasting. Intermediate concepts One of the intermediate concepts of media literacy is the fact that the brain interprets images in a different way from words. Images or pictures are processed in a part of the human brain referred to as the “reptilian” segment. This part of the brain is linked to strong instincts and emotions. In contrast, spoken and written language is processed in the neocortex. This is a part of the brain that facilitates reasoning. For this reason, visual media like television and documentaries have a greater impact than print media (Hobbs and Frost 330). This provides further proof about why personal documentaries are powerful media literacy tools. The other fundamental intermediate concept is based on the fact that the human brain processes static media differently from time-based ones. This implies that movies, television shows, music, and games trigger emotive and reactive memories. Contrarily, media that facilitate reading like newspapers, books, magazines or websites prompt the audience to contemplate on the information hence fostering rational integration. While this seems to discredit personal documentaries, it is imperative to remember that the films are supposed to elicit reaction and emotions from the public, in order to foster social change. This shows that the documentaries are effective media literacy tools since they enable the audience to identify with the message being conveyed. The other intermediate concept of media literacy that supports first-person documentaries is founded on the fact that it is possible to manipulate the media message, in order to increase emotional impact. For instance, with advanced technology, it is possible for a documentary producer to utilize a wide array of filming techniques such as framing, special effects, sound effects, reactions snippets and music. These would serve to reinforce the intended message thus achieving higher impact on the target audience. Advanced concepts In this final category of media concepts, one of the most important is the fact that the prevailing media system portrays societal power dynamics. For instance, institutions or individuals with high status, in terms of influence, power and finances, have a higher capacity to create and distribute messages to wider audiences than people with low status. This explains why the media has been focusing on certain issues more than others (Hull 230-232). However, personal documentaries present an opportunity for a complete change of this tendency. This is because; many people can currently afford cameras and easily gain access to conveyance platforms like YouTube. As a result, these documentaries are likely to foster the spread of factual information, relevant to the ordinary people in society. The other advanced media literacy concept relevant to this research is the fact that media literate individuals act as media activists (Kellner 22). This is clearly shown by first-person documentary producers like Fox and Moore, mentioned previously. Further, as people learn how to obtain, evaluate and interpret messages conveyed by diverse media, and as they create their personal media, they gradually recognize the problems in the present media system. Therefore, media literacy via personal documentaries lays a strong foundation for activism and advocacy for a fair and realistic media system. Media Literacy Challenges The principal challenge facing media literacy in the contemporary American society lies in the fact that, an adaptable media culture and environment requires diverse media education which comprehensively accounts for different possibilities of utilizing varying media. This means that uniform media literacy is not adequate, yet it is difficult to formulate and implement curricula that support this diversity (Kubey 58-59). The other challenge emanates from the extensive focus on devices or media in the attempt to foster media literacy. This draws attention away from the message or content being conveyed. Instead, it would be productive to focus on messages conveyed by the diverse types of media and educational aspects of media literacy. Extra attention to the pedagogical aspects of media activities will not only foster growth, but also encourage youths to create their own types of media, which is a crucial element of media literacy (Kubey 60). Justification for Education in Media Literacy There are numerous justifications for promoting education aimed at fostering media literacy. Some of the reasons supporting adoption of media literacy curricula in schools include enhancement of critical thinking (Fisherkeller 560-561). It is evident that most youngsters view modern media platforms like ways of entertaining themselves. Therefore, media literacy programs would enable them adopt the mentality that these media platforms can be utilized to convey productive messages that affect the social, political or economic nature of their society. Media literacy education is also important as it fosters youths’ active involvement in culture and equips them with the skills necessary for positive modern living (Wallace n.pg). Other scholars have also tried to sweep in and contribute on the issues pertaining media literacy as a simple form of communication in the 21st century. This way, the future generation will be able to be literate enough to comprehend on ways that they can use communication tools, and at the same time critically analyze, as well as, interpret media messages. Therefore, people will require being familiar with communication modes, tools in addition to media awareness (Pryor and Jim 376-379). Marcus and MacKuen (678) describes this as critical media literacy by distinguishes it from by ensuring that people have the capability to explore media literacy in another level especially when considering documentaries to be the next appropriate factor in the future of young people. However, some of the youths examine this mode of media literacy as a way of challenging the young people to study media. This is seen as a way of adding value of utilizing newly technologically enhanced popular media in improving motivation Media literacy therefore, will assist in encouraging youthful people to evaluate, question, comprehend and try to appreciate multimedia culture. This will teach them teach the youths to be more active in engaging in media users and consumers. This mode of media enhancement will be able to assist them to create immediacy as well as relevance in historical subjects and also in other arts through the use of documentaries. This will therefore, serve as a perfect connection between what they learn in class and integration to the real world. Additionally, documentaries will enable the youths to recognize intelligence on multiple levels and be able to analyze it instead of storing the information for future purposes. Therefore, the young people should be encouraged to use these media platforms like documentaries in making sure that start learning at an early age. This will create a shared environment for the young people to enjoy past events in a more enhanced form that will enable them learn and appreciate their past. Media literacy will also encourage the youths to utilize multimedia tools to be creative. This is a strategy that will contribute to the comprehension and preparation for their future career that will need the use of communication platform that are sophisticated. The media literacy aspect will enable the students to be more connected to issues in the real world. Therefore, it will help the young people in seeing themselves as active people and contributors for the future. It is evident that in the current diverse as well as pluralistic society, media literacy assists the young people in understanding how media aspects can influence their views in different societal groups. This is because; it deepens the youth’s comprehension of identity, diversity and difference. Additionally, media literacy assists the youths in personal and social development by exploring all connections in their cultures especially in documentaries, television programming, music, movies fashion and advertisements. This determines their focus in life and how they view their self-image as well as lifestyle choices. Media literacy also helps the youths in providing critique to media representation. It also teaches them how distinguish between fantasy and reality when comparing the media coverage in documentaries. Therefore, for every rationale or perspective for comprehending media literacy, there is a different desired outcome require a diverse measure for its success. Documentaries as Tools for Media Literacy The utilization of documentary movies acts as an imperative factor in facing the history. This is because such films capture people’s attention in ways that other media cannot. For instance, print media is imperative in people’s lives but in many cases people get bore in reading it thus documentaries give a refreshing aspect in such people’s lives and interests. Since the media is playing a very important role in youths learning, the introduction of new media forms is increasing their engagement in media and encouraging them to take part in new opportunities. There is a rise in the documentary films in the world. For instance, documentaries covering the Holocaust as well as other illustrations of mass violence and genocide have been produced. This will enables the youths to identify with the activities that were taking place in those moments. This has been made possible by the decrease in prices of the digital video cameras, editing software and other equipment that enhances documentary making. Therefore, documentaries are bridging the time variance between the old days, the present and the future. This has been made possible by shifting from the more expensive analog celluloid films. This means that the digital video equipment has made it easier and less expensive for people thus they are directing, producing and creating documentaries cheaply and easily. It is evident that digital video technologies has become commonplace in numerous American households. This explosion of digital cameras and software has therefore, encouraged mass production of documentary films (Babington 56-62). The democratization of documentaries has also contributed to wide availability of social aspects being covered in media forms. Recommendations To successfully utilize documentaries as tools for enhancing media literacy among youths, tutors should adopt several strategies. These are outlined below: Despite the fact that media literacy has now become part of the official curricula in media studies in different parts of the world, it is evident that there is need to enhance documentary production for future generations. This is especially imperative because people now have the capability to produce documentaries cheaply and more elaborate. Therefore, making media literacy as a meaningful and a part of the future generation, it is imperative to consider the following aspects. Exploiting Teachable Moments When young people have free time, it is imperative to take such opportunities to listen to them when discussing issues that relate to media that they watch or listen to. This will enable one to be more open minded in making the documentaries that will be more attractive to their age bracket. Give young people chances to participate in create media Despite the fact that there are more aspects in media education, it is important to encourage them to take part in creating the media. This is a principal part of encouraging the youths to be interested not only in music and other media forms but also in documentaries. This is because if they take part in making them, they will feel that it is their responsibility to make it known to the outside world and also to close friends. These will therefore, make documentaries the best resourceful media tool for the future. Young people nowadays posses a lot of media equipment like cameras which would make it easy for them to video tape occurrences of every day for future reference. This would be a good way of encouraging them to take part in the process Begin and conclude with the principal concepts Media literacy as well as the media world, can be overwhelming when a young person starts its analyses. Therefore, it is important that people should be allowed to refer back to the key concepts so as to keep up with the new technology, and other media products this can be achieved by recognizing that young people enjoy the media and one should not take any negative approaches especially when teaching them (Deuze, Axel and Christoph 330). Therefore the youths should be taught that critiquing varies to criticizing and that people should feel free to talk about issues that they love or hate and still have fun doing it and not lose interest. For instance, a documentary showing gender stereotyping is one that can freely participate in. People can be allowed to discuss such issues without necessarily losing interest in it and this can be documented for future purposes. It is also imperative to ensure that when one is teaching the young people about the media, they should be allowed to have practical experience. This is an imperative aspect that should be considered in making of documentaries. Additionally, teaching of media should not be about learning the answers but people should be encouraged to ask questions about the issues that is being discussed. This is especially imperative when dealing with issues that affect the community at large. This is because the young people might have opinions which are very important and that can assist in making the entire documentary. This is because some of the young people are not being affected by emotions thus their lack of biasness will give better outcome (Marcus and MacKuen 42-49). Evaluating and Assessing Media Literacy Just like when dealing with other subjects, media literacy should be evaluated and assessed for all the youths. This is because young people need to be reassured by being given regular feedback. This will assist them to reflect on aspects on media development and progress and this means that they are doing the right thing in learning. nevertheless, sometimes teachers or tutors always find it difficult to create any kind of assessment as well as evaluation tools for media literacy .This is especially so because they feel that they do not have the necessary technical knowledge that can be utilized in evaluating medium the question and all forms of media that can be used in educating the youths (Morse n.pg). Therefore, it is imperative to consider the following two steps in order to create objectives, meaning and understanding evaluation of tools that are used in media literacy work. First and foremost, it is imperative to utilize use an evaluation tool like a rubric, which allows people to assess their work in numerous ways. This makes the youths expectations clearer and more elaborate. The second is to frame the expectations within the rubric in terms of the key concepts of media literacy. Generally, media literacy works may be evaluated in three different methods: first and foremost, it should be based on how the youth comprehends the principal concepts of media literacy as well as their specific concepts and ideologies that are being explored in the given assignment or lesson. It is also important to base the study on the quality and depth of the youth’s inquiry as well as analysis of the queries that should raised after completion of the assignment. The youths should also be encouraged to identify and question the outcome of the issue being examined. It should also be done in accordance to the youth’s technical knowledge. This way they will be able to associate with the kind of media they will use in the future. Documentaries should therefore, be the basis of their study since that is a tool that is important for the future. These are all imperative aspects of evaluating and assessing media literacy especially with all the youths being focused in making documentaries because of the cheap nature of the equipment. Conclusion It is evident that in the world where children and young people are grow up in, newly enhanced media elements, there is a lot of increased impact. This is why it is extremely imperative for the youths irrespective of their economic and social background should comprehend how the media operates as well as how they can utilize this media to make their daily lives easy and informed. It is also important to note that the future is packed with issue that will not be familiar and that people should try and salvage the little issue that they are undergoing through today so that the future generation can be able to relate to their origin. The past knowledge as well as approach can be extremely different with the final objective of becoming media literate. Therefore, so as to actively take part in the present day activities that will also influence the tomorrow's society, there is need to acquire enough media literacy. Since there constant changes in the media applications we should work towards using the latest media and film in providing opportunities for young people to take part actively in making the content s well as interacting with their peers all over the world using documentaries. Additionally, the people involved should be skilled in digital film and media and film in order to teach them how to analyze the issues critically. By helping the young people to feel that they are included in the exercise it enables them to get the right motivation towards becoming future activists and important citizens that know about their past. Therefore, by promoting media literacy it will facilitate participation of young people in building a good future. These are people that will have the will to lean through documentaries how the world has changed historical, environmentally and socially. The main aspect is involving these people in the different activities that will influence their lives. Works Cited Alvermann, D. and Xu, Shelley. Children’s everyday literacies: Intersections of popular culture and language arts instruction. Language Arts, 81.2(2003): 145-155 Alvermann, Donna and Hagood, Margaret. Fandom and critical media literacy. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 43.5(2000): 436-446. Babington, Charles. News from the Associated Press." Associated Press. 18 Mar. 2012. Web. 5 December 2013. Baym, Geoffrey. The Daily Show: Discursive Integration And The Reinvention Of Political Journalism. Political Communication 22.3 (2005): 259-276. Deuze, Mark, Axel Bruns, and Christoph Neuberger. Preparing For An Age Of Participatory News. Journalism Practice 1.3 (2007): 322-38. Dyson, Haas. Popular literacies and the “all” children: rethinking literacy development for contemporary childhoods. Language Arts, 81.2 (2003): 100-108. Fisherkeller, JoEllen. “The writers are getting kind of desperate”: Young adolescents, television, and literacy. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 43.7(2000): 596-606. Hart, Roderick and Johanna. Hartelius. "The Political Sins Of Jon Stewart." Critical Studies In Media Communication 24.3 (2007): 263-272. Herrick, James. Argumentation: Understanding and Shaping Arguments. State College, PA: Strata Pub. 2011. Print. Hobbs, Renee. & Frost, Richard. Measuring the acquisition of media-literacy skills. Reading Research Quarterly, 38.3(2003): 330-355. Hull, Glynda. Youth culture and digital media: new literacies for new times. Research in the Teaching of English, 38.2(2003):229-333. Kakutani, Michiko. "The Cult of the Amateur." The New York Times. The New York Times, 2007. Web. 5 December 2013. Kellner, Douglas. New technologies/new literacies: reconstructing education for the new millennium. Philosophy of Education Yearbook, 2000, (2000):21-36. Kubey, Robert. Obstacles to the development of media education in the United States. Journal of Communication, 48 .1, (1998) 58-70. Lemann, Nicholas. Amateur Hour: Journalism Without Journalists." The New Yorker. Conde Nast, 2006. Web. 5 Dec. 2013. Marcus, George and MacKuen, Michael. Anxiety, enthusiasm, and the vote: The emotional underpinnings of learning and involvement during presidential campaigns. American Political Science Review, 87, (1993): 672-685. Marcus, George and MacKuen, Michael. Emotions and politics: The dynamic functions of emotionality. In J. H. Kuklinski (Ed.), Citizens and politics: Perspectives from political psychology and public opinion. New York, Ny: (2001):pp. 41-67. Marcus, George, Neuman, R.ussel and MacKuen, Michael. Affective intelligence and political judgment. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. 2000. Print. Meikle, Graham. Find Out Exactly What To Think, After This Break": News Satire And Symbolic Power. Conference Papers—International Communication Association (2009): 1. Morse, Gordon. "Blather Won't Bring Back the Bay." Washington Post 13 July 2003:B8. Web. 5 December 2013. Paletz, David. Political Humor and Authority: From Support to Subversion. International Political Science Review 11.4 (1990): 483-493. Parks, Lisa. Cultures in Orbit: Satellites and the Televisual. Durham, NC: Duke University Press. (2005) Pryor, Robert and Jim, Bright. "Applying Chaos Theory to Careers: Attraction and Attractors." Journal of Vocational Behavior 71.3 (2007): 375-400. Sarah, Pike. Enabling Creative Chaos: The Organization behind the Burning Man Event. “Journal for the Study of Radicalism 6.2(2012): 152-154.  Thussu, Kishan. Electronic Empires: Global Media and Local Resistance. New York, NY: Arnold. 1998Print. Thussu, Kishan. News as Entertainment: The Rise of Global Infotainment. Los Angeles, CA: Sage.2009. Print. Wallace, Gregory. GOP Race Is 'Nastiest' Campaign Yet, McCain Says." CNN.com. Cable News Network. 2012. Read More