What is Media Literacy?
Media Literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate and create media in a variety of forms.
This definition is the most often cited in the US and was hammered out by participants at the 1992 Aspen Media Literacy Leadership Institute:
Definitions, however, evolve over time and a more robust definition is now needed to situate media literacy in the context of its importance for the education of students in a 21st century media culture. The Center for Media Literacy now uses this expanded definition:
Media Literacy is a 21st century approach to education. It provides a framework to access, analyze, evaluate, create and participate with messages in a variety of forms — from print to video to the Internet. Media literacy builds an understanding of the role of media in society as well as essential skills of inquiry and self-expression necessary for citizens of a democracy.
Venice High School MEDIA teachers incorporate this approach to learning when developing lessons. In addition to addressing core content, MEDIA teachers are dedicated to ensuring that their 21st century students see the connection between what they are learning in class, and the massive load of information that is distributed through mass media.