Media Literacy
The Importance of Media Literacy​
Media Literacy provides students with an opportunity to:
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Collaborate
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Be Critical
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Engage
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Express Creativity
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Be Innovative
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Communicate Ideas
This is a new type of learning; it is digital and relative to the 21st century. Children are constantly "plugged in" to one form of technology or another. If teachers neglect to encourage students to share these digital skills, they will hinder their learning experience dramatically. Society has become ever dependent on technology. By allowing children to express their knowledge through different modes, we shape and mold them for a future where creativity and innovative ideas are required.
​What is Illiteracy?
By definition, the Student Oxford Dictionary suggests illiteracy is a condition in which one cannot read or write. In my opinion, this definition is highly outdated. For instance, it suggests that every newborn child is illiterate. Is this true? The inability to read and write does not suggest an inability to communicate with others around them. Even infants can express emotions and communicate in times of need. How then should we define illiteracy?
In the 21st century, if I can communicate my intentions, goals, feelings, thoughts etc. with you, but lack reading and writing skills, is it accurate to label me as illiterate?
The Hidden Curriculum

As future teachers, I believe it would be accurate to say that we may be easily overwhelmed by the content, goals, standards and abundance of other expectations. When placed in such situations, it may be difficult to recognize what we may be teaching our students without realizing - the hidden curriculum.
The hidden curriculum can include things such as:
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Biases
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Poor Manners
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Attitude
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Unprofessional Reactions
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Poor Language (slang, improper terminology etc.)
These are characteristics teachers may unintentionally invoke on their students. It is important that regardless of mood, weather, stress teachers must remain in a professional role and express only attributes they would want their own children to experience in a classroom environment.
