Introduction to Media and Information Literacy (Lec)

MEDIA OR INFORMATION PROVIDER	NUMBER OF HOURS IN A WEEK
YouTube	12
Facebook	5
Torrent (Films)	15
Messenger	5
Viu (Korean Drama)	11
VLive	6
KissAnime	10
Instagram	7
Twitter	10
MangaHome	10
Google	7
Snapchat	4

figure 1. Weekly Interaction Log with Media and Information Providers

             

I spend the most time using Torrent, YouTube, and Viu (in order), because I like to watch series and films in my pastime. I use Torrent to download films and movies that have good reviews and pique my interest. I use YouTube to watch vloggers and youtubers and I also use it as a platform where I can tune in to my favorite cartoon series as of the moment, Miraculous Ladybug. Lastly, I use Viu to watch K-Dramas which always have the best cinematography, plots, and soundtracks.

Media plays significant roles in my life. I do not only use it for leisure and entertainment, but through it, I am also able to communicate with others, which helps me improve my social skills. It also serves as a medium of learning where I gain new-found information and broaden my knowledge.

 

UNLOCKING THE DEFINITIONS

1.)     Technology Literacy – means being well-informed on how to use technology

2.)    Media Literacy – means knowing how to use the media to entertain or inform oneself and/or communicate with others

3.)    Information Literacy – means knowing how to dissect information from a credible source

4.)    Media and Information Literacy – means being able to differentiate between a credible source of information and a non-factual source of information from the media

 

MISCONCEPTIONS

1.)     I thought that literacy in media and information only meant knowing how to extract credible information from media sources, but it also means knowing when and how to use this information.

2.)    I used to think that children should not involve themselves with technology, because they were too young for it, but now I can see how being literate in technology at a young age is beneficial.

3.)    I thought that information literacy only meant knowing when information is reliable.

4.)    I used to think that everything the media says is trustworthy.

5.)    I used to think that the media only meant news or television reporters when I was a child.

6.)    I thought that being dependent on technology was completely bad for our society, but now I know how much technology has made our lives much easier.

7.)    I used to think that communication through social media was shallow and/or superficial, but now I understand that social media allows people miles away from each other to have a conversation, which is amazing.

8.)   I didn’t know that media literacy meant being responsible in the use of media as well.

9.)   I thought that discourse on social media was not appropriate, but now I know that as long as it’s intellectual, then it can open up a good exchange of opinions and ideas.

10.)I thought that literacy only meant being knowledgeable about a topic, but now I know that it also means being able to effectively use this knowledge wisely.

 

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1.)     In your opinion, what makes an individual literate in media and information?

In my opinion, an individual is literate in media and information if he/she is able to use media wisely and responsibly and if he/she has the capacity to differentiate between reliable sources of information found in the media and those that are not. An individual who is literate in media and information uses critical thinking to analyze the data that he/she gathers from the media so that he/she knows how to properly and effectively use them. Another trait an individual should have to exhibit literacy in media and information is to know how he/she can effectively use the media as a means of increasing awareness about certain topics or concepts so that he/she is able to fulfill his/her role in society. To be literate in media and information, one must never spread false information or fake news, since these often cause misinformation and misunderstandings to happen which decreases the rate of awareness that our society has.

 

2.)    What activities/habits do you practice which illustrate media and information literacy? Give at least three examples.

As an individual who often uses social media as a means of communication and as a medium of free and creative expression, I try my best to be as literate in media and information as much as I can be. I do this by not believing that everything I see or hear on the media is true. I thoroughly analyze every information that I get from the media before spreading it to others. I also ask around first and seek for other facts before deciding that the source of information from the media is credible. Another thing that I do to show my literacy in media and information is spreading the new knowledge that I learn from the media to other people after making sure that they are factual or correct. By doing this, I am able to inform other people, and at the same time, improve my social skills and become an active member of society. Lastly, I display my literacy in media and information by opening up intellectual discourses about issues that are important and need to be addressed. By doing this, I am not only trying to exchange opinions with other people, but I am also bringing attention and awareness to these particular issues. Thus, I am able to effectively influence other people through the information that I’ve gathered from the media. This not only puts my social skills to use, but also allows me to fulfill my duty or role in society.