Media Activity Resources

Institutionalizing Media Literacy Through Legislation

In this issue, we celebrate the passage of media literacy legislation in states around the country with special focus on California and Washington. We interviewed two individuals who played (are playing) pivotol roles in this effort -- Marilyn Cohen, a top media literacy researcher and advocate from Washington State; and Jennifer Howeter, from the California Department of Education.

Self Representation and Media Literacy

In this issue, we explore new notions of identity from a sociological and psychiatric perspective.  How we represent ourselves – to ourselves and to others – is essential to our humanity. By better understanding the impact of our mediated selves on our interactions and our self-image, we see how media influences the essence of our being. Includes interviews with two cultural sociologists: Professor Joseph E. Davis explains the commodifying of self, and Dr. Andreas Bernard discusses the changing science of profiling. 

Copyright and Media Literacy

Media literacy education requires the use of media in the classroom so it’s important for educators and administrators – as well as students and parents – to have a basic understanding of the structure and purpose of legal frameworks addressing intellectual property, particularly regarding copyright.  This issue includes interviews with copyright experts Renee Hobbs, professor of communication studies, and David Sohn, copyright lawyer.  The MediaLit Moments activity offers a simple way to introduce the concept to students. 

Media Representation LGBTQ and Media Literacy

Representation is at the heart of media literacy. In this issue of Connections, we invite you to explore representation from two individuals’ perspectives, discussing non-binary and LGBTQ gender identities.  We interviewed Alexx Souter, advocate, and Rich Ferraro, Chief Communications Officer of GLAAD, a media advocacy organization for LGBTQ.  CML News includes an article by Tessa Jolls and Michele Johnsen, "Media Literacy: A Foundational Skill for Democracy in the 21st Century," published in the Hastings Law Journal.  

Data Representation and Media Literacy

Mathematics and science have always been relevant to applying media literacy, but there is now a true urgency to providing students and adults with the fluency they need to put media literacy to use in evaluating quantitative as well as qualitative information. In this issue of Connections, we interview two leaders of data-centric organizations. We also report on the International Media Literacy Research Symposium and GAPMIL NA meetings recently held in Portugal. 

Redefining School Communities - March Issue Connections

In this issue of Connections, we discuss schools as online and offline communities, and how media literacy skills can empower students to actively and responsibly address the difficult topics and risks of our day. We share front-line insights from National School Walkout Day, with a case study on media literacy in action. We also explore how to help students understand their own part in communities, with parent involvement. Includes interviews with Rose Pierre-Louis of Connecticut Public’s Thinkalong program, and Mary Ann Sund of Lersun Development. 

ESL and Media Literacy

While teaching English as a second language isn’t often a focus of discussions for media literacy, the number of ESL students alone should argue for more emphasis and visibility for this educational imperative. CML interviewed Raul Alberto Mora, Ph.D., who emphasizes language learning and critical media literacy in his work with university students and preservice teachers in Medellin, Colombia, as well as Camilo Andres Dominguez-Cruz, a native of Colombia, who now teaches ESL in a North Carolina primary school, Sallie B. Howard School for the Arts and Education. 
 

Gender Representation in Media

The representation of gender in media has long been a subject of fascination as well as critical analysis and change management for those advancing and practicing media literacy. In this issue of Connections, we highlight two organizations addressing these issues worldwide. Promundo, founded in Brazil in 1997, promotes gender equality and violence prevention by engaging men and boys in partnership with women and girls. The Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP) teams with more than 100 countries to keep accurate data on gender representation in the news. 

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