What is media literacy? Why is it important? Why is it dismissed?

Media literacy is defined as a framework that allows people to access, analyze, and evaluate the information given to them (Trilling, 2012). In our society, understanding the meaning of videos, memes, and other forms of media literacy, as we are surrounded by it on a daily basis. Through media literacy, people are able to express their feelings towards a topic and we are to judge it. Media literacy is important because it can lead to false information a lot of the time. Often, the media is easily manipulated, which makes it hard to really know what information is reliable. This spread of false information is dismissed by our society because it is such a predominant act that happens on a regular basis. So it has become somewhat common for people to be media illiterate.

Why should you aim for varied views but the factual consensus in your PLN?Open dialogues about media literacy and factual information can create conflict, why does this happen?

Having varied views within your PLN will help individuals develop a more factual opinion. Without having a varied, reliable PLN, people will be in an echo chamber which means you will only hear one side of a story. Although a diverse opinion within a PLN will require a significant amount of debate, the information learned at the conclusion is really informative. Especially when considering media literacy, people can be led to have false opinions on topics, which can create conflict within a PLN. Despite conflict involving people who are trying to prove their point, you will really be able to get a firm understanding of where they are coming from. This gives people the chance to grow their perception of topics and make new connections with others to comprehend what they have to say.

What is the benefit of having a PLN that values media literacy?

Having a PLN that values media literacy means that you will not be mislead by the information you learn from social media. Having a media illiterate PLN will have negative aspects as you will not have a reliable PLN. Throughout this course, we have talked about the importance of building a reliable PLN, which means the members value media literacy. Having a PLN that values media literacy will avoid the spread of false information and false opinions.

References:

Fadel, C, & Trilling, B,(2012), 21st Century Skills: Learning for Life in Our Times.