We discuss the four effects of media violence, and review recent media effects research, as well as research supporting media literacy as an educational intervention. In our second article, we apply theories of audience response to violent media to the American action film. And we examine the possibility that media producers may be shaping audience views of what constitutes realistic media violence. Also Conducting a Close Analysis of a media text teaches fundamental skills for media literacy.
Connections Newsletter Archive
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Publication Date:February, 2013Download Newsletter:
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Publication Date:January, 2013
Media literacy educators want to help students become aware of the need to question media messages rather than simply accept them. But students don’t learn those skills so readily when teachers tell them what to accept or reject. In this issue, we share our strategies for helping students develop a healthy skepticism about media.
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Publication Date:December, 2012
We discuss criteria for assessing media literacy instruction and we make the important distinction between teaching with media and teaching about media. We also report on the successes of a new “bring your own technology” initiative in a Georgia school district.
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Publication Date:October, 2012
In this issue of Connections, we draw upon current research to facilitate understanding of the nature of video game play by children, and we provide tools for understanding the messages which video games communicate about the world we live in.
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Publication Date:August, 2012
There’s a distinct imbalance of power between consumers and online advertisers when advertisers are able to scoop up consumers’ personal data without their permission or even their knowledge. We envision what a commercial Internet centered around user ownership of data might be like, and why media literacy education is essential.
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Publication Date:July, 2012
Critical construction of media is a vital and necessary step towards digital citizenship and full participation in our media culture. In this issue, we discuss the benefits of critical media production programs for students, and demonstrate how they can be successfully implemented in K-12 schools. In our research section, we explore the theory and practice of critical media construction in schools, including the responsibilities implied by global distribution of student content. Media literacy pioneer Barry Duncan passed away in June. In our news section, we pay tribute to his foundational contributions to media literacy education. Dain Olsen, an LA Unified School District media arts educator, teaches his students media literacy and media production skills on a daily basis.
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Publication Date:May, 2012
Media deconstruction lessons and activities help students acquire learning skills which can be applied in any discipline, and also help students become aware of themselves as learners. Includes an interview with media literacy advocate Frank Baker.
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Publication Date:April, 2012
In this issue, we focus on the capacity of new media and communications technologies to change the direction of education in the 21st century. The Khan Academy is highlighted as well as the important roles of school librarians and principals.
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Publication Date:March, 2012
CML introduced a trilogy for anytime, anywhere learning. Two e-books now available online explain why critical thinking, intellectual inquiry and student choice are essential for teaching and learning in an information age, and how the principles of media literacy education can be uniquely helpful for schools which are preparing for systemic change. This issue also includes an interview with media literacy pioneer Jean-Pierre Golay and a summary of the Obama Administration’s Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights.
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Publication Date:January, 2012
We discuss why zombies are relevant to the philosophy and purposes of media literacy education. In our second article, we focus on the pedagogical applications of horror texts, including media production and building students’ awareness of the role they play as media audiences.
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