Literacy

Media Literacy

The Australian Media Literacy Alliance defines media literacy as the ability to critically engage with media in all aspects of life (Australian Media Literacy Alliance 2001). This digital literacy is so important for our students to learn about and understand for success in everyday because we live in a complex and media heavy world. 

According to the Australian Media Literacy Alliance, media literacy is required so that individuals can:

• Receive, verify and share information
• Get help and advice when needed
• Conduct business and find work
• Learn and study
• Participate in communities
• Engage with our democracy
• Meet people, relax and be entertained
• Share ideas, knowledge, experiences and opinions
• Create engaging and effective media

Information taken from PETAA paper 225

At St. Raphael's we strive to provide our students with opportunities to promote media literacy within our reading and writing programs. We engage the students in learning about these concepts through practical and creative activities. Research has shown that when students are given a 'hands-on' activities their positive response increases, and when they get to make their own media they become more open to discussions about media concepts. 

A few weeks ago the Year 3/4 students worked on advertisements and slogans in their writing lessons and were able to experiment and explore the world of media by using technology to make their own commercials.