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Media Smarts: Kids Learn How to Navigate the Multimedia World

Teachers are discovering the value of imparting media-literacy skills, from critical analysis of news programs, commercials, and films to basic design and video-production techniques. More to this story.

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Release Date:7/13/2005
Running Time: 8 min.

Video Credits

Produced, Written, and Directed by

  • Ken Ellis

Associate Producer:

  • Miwa Yokoyama

Editor:

  • Karen Sutherland

Assistant Editor:

  • Stacy Bloom

Camera Crew:

  • Brian Cardello
  • Orlando Video Productions, Inc.
  • Duncan Sinclair
  • Jason Watkins

Narrator:

  • Kris Welch

Original Music:

  • Ed Bogas

Intern:

  • Kari Barber

Additional footage courtesy of

  • Jacob Burns Film Center
  • © 2005
  • The George Lucas Educational Foundation
  • All rights reserved.

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Comments & Responses

Media literacy and the library

Submitted by Anne-Marie Gordon (not verified) on August 7, 2008 - 17:01.

Media literacy has long been the province of the school library and the technology departments--a good partnership. The new AASL (American Association of School Libarians) Learning Standards address all kinds of media literacy.

Too often, though, libraries are considered unnecessary by short-sighted administrators who forget that evaluating sources--whether they be text, audio, or video--is as important in the library as finding them.

The learning standards are here: http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/learningstandards/AASL_LearningStandards.pdf

Ask your school librarian about them!

Digital audio and radio controls

Submitted by Jeff Rudisill (not verified) on March 14, 2008 - 00:06.

Mr. Lucas see the need for students to learn the "grammer" of film making; Mr. Rizzo, above, sees the importance of English composition; I would probably emphasize the necessity to create compelling audio in this Web 2 world. We all see the world through our own lenses, and, justifiably, want to impress the students we instruct with the importance of our disciplines.
This creates quite a conundrum: how to fit it all in, effectively, in one lifetime? Education will change. I think it will change in ways that most of us haven't imagined so far.

art

Submitted by wendy R. (not verified) on January 13, 2008 - 11:28.

I forwarded the site to other teachers in our school. We've all been scratching our heads as to the best method of using technology in the schools. Many teachers use software to type reports, construct presentations of information for the primary intent of learning how to use specific software, but few really tap into the power of presenting information that makes a difference in the community we live in. The arts are also perceived as 'artsy' which means therapeutic or fun not as a valid form of communication. This shifts the emphasis on media education explored through the arts. Nice job.

Great Video

Submitted by Lisa A (not verified) on November 24, 2007 - 11:14.

I enjoyed the video and it really hit home. We need to hone in on the skills that students have. I enjoyed the video.

Video Grammar and Literacy

Submitted by Tom Rizzo (not verified) on September 3, 2007 - 12:16.

I teach high school broadcast journalism, and I while agree with Mr. Lucas that we need to teach the "grammar" of film making to our students, I firmly believe that they must also master the traditional framework of English composition in order to effectively tell a story. One of my students was recently hired by the local NBC affiliate to work as a photographer/editor in their studio.(This was based partially on a documentary he had produced) This station had never before hired a high school student, and when I asked the producer why she hired him, she said that it was his writing skills that impressed her the most. He's a good editor and an excellent photographer, but in the end he still needed a strong grounding in writing to get the job.

Powerful Insights for All Teachers

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on August 8, 2007 - 10:19.

Your video was not only insightful but motivating. Admittedly often our students have difficulty accepting the written word as the best way to share ideas and fight learning reading, writing, gramar, etc. Through digital classes I see the kids opening up and eagerly meeting the teacher's objectives. As an educator of special needs populations, this venue could provide the motivation and opportunity for many of my students to make connections which are all too often missed. Where could I go to learn more?

A media literacy clearing house

Submitted by Frank Baker (not verified) on February 20, 2008 - 13:45.

I invite you to surf over to my Media Literacy Clearinghouse website for resources and consideration of professional development for your teachers...to get them up to speed on 21st century literacies. Frank Baker, Columbia SC

Thanks for your kind

Submitted by Ken Ellis (not verified) on August 29, 2007 - 12:52.

Thanks for your kind comments. You can find more resources in the article that accompanies this video at http://www.glef.org/media-literacy-skills

This video was powerful. It

Submitted by Linda Epps (not verified) on August 2, 2007 - 17:22.

This video was powerful. It affirmed what I have been thinking and sharing with my staff. Media literacy along with other technology literacies are a must for our students to be successful consumers and workers of the 21st. Media literacy provides students real and meaningful expriences. Students become enthralled and self directed learners. Thank you for the insight.

Very Informative Piece

Submitted by Edwin Hernandez (not verified) on June 4, 2007 - 11:31.

This video clip does a good job of showcasing the need of diversifying our school curriculums. Many schools are driven to help students perform well on their state standardized tests, however, in the process, students are often deprived of taking part in activities like the ones showcased in your video.

I believe that students will be more self-motivated to improve their literacy skills, simply based on their desire of wanting to create a better short-film or other media-rich presentation.

Great job on getting the word out!

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