Blog 9: Why Media Literacy matters in PLN

One of the most important topics that people should discuss nowadays is media literacy. This is because most of the information we get today came from the media. In this regard, I cannot agree more with Julie Smith when she said the Media Literacy is something that people should be talking about and that it should be part of the people’s conversation (Miller 6:18-6:20). But what is Media Literacy in the first place? Is literacy only limited to reading books like what majority of the people thinks so?

The Center for Media Literacy defined Media Literacy as “a framework to access, analyze, evaluate and create messages in a variety of forms, build an understanding of the role of media in society, as well as [develop] the essential skills of inquiry and self-expression (cited in Fadel and Trilling). This means that Media Literacy pertains to how one creates and shares information through different forms of media to build an understanding of the role of media in society as well build an understanding of one’s self. It is important for people today to be literate in using media so that they would not be confused of the variety of information that they can find online (Miller 3:15-3:18). If people find media confusing, then there is chance that they may not rely on media for real-time information. In connection to this, despite the prominence of media and media literacy, there are still a lot of people today who still dismiss the idea of media literacy. One of the reasons that they dismiss media literacy is that they do not feel the need to have media literacy. In other words, people are not aware of the dangers of media.  

One example of media is PLN or Personal Learning Networks. Its users can demonstrate Media Literacy through aiming for varied views and factual consensus. This means that PLNs should contain various information from different resources and this information, despite its variety, should be factual. Julie Smith explained that social media or the internet in general, can be a best tool for learners to find resources and connect (Miller 10:51). This means that when a learner looks for a certain information in his/her PLN, it is not enough for the learner to consult one source but he/she must use multiple sources to check for consistency. Undoubtedly, PLN can give power to the learners but along this power is the responsibility to handle “massive amounts of information, media, and technology” (Fadel and Trilling). This is one of the reasons that open dialogues on media literacy and factual information shall be discussed. Nevertheless, these kids of discussions can spark misunderstandings simply because not everyone would take Media Literacy seriously.

To make sure that PLNs are reliable, its users must value Media Literacy and observe it whenever they share information or interact with PLN members. A PLN that demonstrates the values of Media Literacy can assure its members that the PLN is going to be reliable and safe from fake news. Educators and learners need reliable PLNs so that they will be able to guarantee life-long learning. After all, education should not end in the classrooms. Another benefit of observing the values of Media Literacy in PLNs is that it can also guarantee healthy discussions. When sensitive topics are being talked about in a heathy way, chances are, people will be able to meet half-way and make necessary adjustments.

Works Cited

Miller, Jesse. “EDCI 338 A01- Smith, Julie.” YouTube, 1 Nov. 2020, youtu.be/Z_T9RghwJlI.

Trilling, Bernie, and Charles Fadel. “Digital Literacy Skills.” 21st Century Skills: Learning for Life in Our Times, John Wiley & Sons, 2009.