The wide spectrum of media literacy

Living in a digital society requires versatile media literacy from all of us. The international, cross-disciplinary new book by Ruokamo and Kangas introduces you to various media literacies, such as media, knowledge, transmedia and game literacy; digital and social network literacy; and web literacy. In addition, media literacy inherently involves multiliteracy, which means the ability to understand, to critically assess and – in particular – to produce various types of knowledge.

–Various media skills should be universal skills and rights possessed by all citizens, emphasises Heli Ruokamo, the professor of media education and director of the Media Education Hub unit at the University of Lapland.

Today’s digital culture in fact requires comprehensive media competence. Among other things, we should have practical skills, technical skills, self-expression skills, and an understanding of artistry and critical consciousness. Further, current societal phenomena, such as political polarisation, civic engagement and digitalisation, are clearly present in media cultures and behaviours.

–This is why the role of disinformation and ethicality has been increasingly emphasised in media education as well, notes Marjaana Kangas, a university lecturer in media education at the University of Lapland.

From the media diet to utilising artificial intelligence in teaching

Based on research, the various media and digital technology significantly effect teaching and learning. For instance, the effect of technology and social media is shown by the way in which youths and older people acquire media and digital literacy.

The book provides an extensive account of media and digital technology topics related to education and teaching. Experts address for instance the media diet, the appropriate ways to use ICT in teaching and learning, various teaching and learning methods (e.g. computer-aided community-based and peer learning) and the use of AI and other technologies in teaching.

There are many important insights on offer to all media consumers: children, students, teachers and families. Furthermore, researchers, journalists and decision makers can learn about new perspectives and approaches through which we can increase understanding and promote media education in various sectors of life. The book is useful to everyone interested in advancing the media education and digital skills of people of all ages.

The contributors to the book are Finnish and international experts in media education from the University of Helsinki, the University of Jyväskylä, the University of Lapland, the University of Tampere, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (Milan), the Natural Resources Institute Finland, Oulu University of Applied Sciences and Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences.

Information on the publication
Heli Ruokamo & Marjaana Kangas (eds.) 2021: Media Education at the Top. Cambridge scholars publishing.

Electronic link to the book on the Cambridge Scholars Publishing site > Media Education at the Top - Cambridge Scholars Publishing

Coming up: Media Education Conference (MEC 2021) in Autumn Colors

Further information:

Media Education Conference MEC 2019 – On the Top

Heli Ruokamo
Vice-Dean, Professor, Faculty of Education
Director of the Media Education Hub
University of Lapland
+358 40 587 9090
heli.ruokamo(at)ulapland.fi
http://heliruokamo.com/

Marjaana Kangas
University Lecturer, Adjunct Professor
Media Education Hub, Faculty of Education
University of Lapland
+358 40 484 4490
marjaana.kangas(at)ulapland.fi