Media Literacy in the Classroom

I decided to focus on Media Literacy in the classroom for my I-Search paper. This is a topic I am interested in because of my broadcast background and because I believe that in today’s society high school students often have an easier time finding connection, to works of literature or other classroom lessons, when some type of media literacy is used in the teaching of that lesson. I am also interested in writing about this topic, because it is something I know little about, in terms of its use in the classroom, and something I am eager to learn about.

I think that it is important to write about this idea, because it is something that every teacher can use. I also think that it is important to me, on a personal level, to write about it because as a teacher, I will need to find the best ways in integrating media literacy in my lesson plans and I can help find that, not only through the research I will do for this paper, but also through the writing process in which I will go through as I write my I-Search. Learning how to integrate media literacy into my classroom and exploring all the types and uses of media literacy available make up the main purpose in writing on this topic.

I know that media literacy is on the rise. It is important for our students because they are immersed in the media in so many aspects of their lives. There are many types of media literacy, movies, magazine, the news, television shows, etc., that can be used. Activities using media literacy can help teachers reach students who might not find connection or interest in the particular lesson that is being taught.