Understanding how newspapers and magazines, the television and film industries, and the Internet work involves knowing something about the technology used, the production process and the business and financial aspects of these industries. Knowing how they affect our lives means understanding that media both reflect and shape our culture. They are the primary creators of our popular culture and are powerful agents of socialization. We need to recognize techniques used to elicit the desired responses to advertising and entertainment so that we won t be easily manipulated by media messages. Using media wisely simply means making smart choices and using media for wholesome entertainment and lifelong learning.
Media education is simply the process used to develop media literacy in our students.
Its primary goals are critical thinking and autonomy. It s not a new subject to be added to the curriculum, but an approach to teaching that should be integrated into every subject in this information age. Fran Trampiets teaches graduate courses in media education at the University of Dayton's School of Education. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you.