Many Americans get most of their information from television yet, until recently, children have not been taught how to use television, the Internet and other electronic media. A growing number of educators, academics and media professionals are calling for media literacy to be taught in schools and elements of this subject are now part of the curricular frameworks in 48 states. Media literacy is the ability to access, understand, analyze, evaluate and create media messages on television, the Internet and other technologies. It can help us interpret the many messages we receive each day from these sources. In essence, the media literate individual applies the same thinking skills used in reading and writing to other forms of media.
Media literacy is known by a variety of names.
Some people call it media education. Others, when specifically referring to television, use the term critical viewing. Cable in the Classroom has partnered with the National PTA and the National Cable Television Association in The Family and Community Critical Viewing Project, teaching media literacy skills to parents, teachers and community members through free workshops, videos and booklets. Many Cable in the Classroom networks air programs related to media literacy. Check the listings in your copy of Cable in the Classroom magazine or search the listings online.