The Gulf War was a real wake-up call for Americans as to how manipulative the media can be. Then with the O.J. Simpson trial, we saw how the media fell on the bandwagon and exploited that tragedy for economic gain. She praised the University of Dayton for its efforts in the field. Media literacy needs to be integrated into pre-service for teachers in every teacher ed program at every college and university. In her speech following the award, Liz reviewed the 25-year history of media literacy in the United States and called for the help from university schools of education to help prepare teachers to integrate it across the curriculum at every grade level.
Media literacy is a basic competency in today's world.
All children should have the skills needed to participate as informed citizens and educated adults in the 21st century media culture.