Module 1

Initially, when going through all the readings in an attempt to better understand media literacy, I found that Zaslow and Butler’s (2002) three models were easiest for me to understand. They separated media literacy into three models of protectionist or discrimination models, ideological analysis models, and constructivist models. The protectionist or discrimination models, as defined by Zaslow and Butler (2002), is that youth must be protected from powerful media. In order for youth the fend against these media, young people must be taught how to discriminate between high-quality and low-quality media. Secondly, Zaslow and Butler (2002) explained the ideological analysis models as, youth being taught to question the naturalness of media representations and to identify hidden messages in the media. Further, the analysis focuses on how media support and reproduce dominant ideologies about difference and culture. Lastly, Zaslow and Butler (2002) defined the constructivist models, which is to advocate the development of analytical skills while allowing for the experience of enjoying media. Students are not passive receivers of media but active negotiators of the media with which they engage. I believe that all of the models presented by Zaslow and Butler (2002) are necessary for youth to be able to put into use when needed. Personally, I found that I was able to agree with the constructivist models the most because although it requires children to analyze media, it still allows them to enjoy the media.

When further going through the readings and asking the question, why is media literacy so important, I found Jennifer Ladner’s article, “Why media literacy is so important for children today,” to be the most informative. She discusses the concern for not only how much time children spend in front of a screen, but also the concern for the content that they absorb. With media literacy, children and families are allowed to become more aware of media messages, both intended and unintended. She also explains that the messages within media allow children to learn to create and think critically; further, allowing children to take control of the media that is around them, rather than the media controlling them. Due to technology now being mainly wireless, many of us walk around with it at constant availability in the palm of our hands. Because it is so easy to access media, it is crucial to have media literacy on our radar. Ladner suggests reasons why it is important for it to be on our radar. For example, studies suggest a strong relationship between high exposure to violence in the media and aggressive behavior, as well as, a strong correlation between heavy television viewing and obesity, substance use, and increased sexual activity at younger ages. Overall, Ladner thoroughly discussed the importance of media literacy due the negative effects it can have.

Throughout the several readings I learned an extensive amount of information in regards to media literacy. Most importantly, I learned about the effects that media has on children and why is it necessary to implement media literacy. Specifically, as presented above, the the protectionist or discrimination models, ideological analysis models, and constructivist models, by Zaslow and Butler (2002) are all necessary for children to learn to employ when viewing media. Ultimately, due to technology being easily available in the palm of our hands, it is becoming crucial for media literacy to put to use.