Not long ago, words on paper were the predominant media of communication and teaching children to read and write was sufficient to helping them master it. Today’s communication requires that we be able to create and understand messages using a variety of digital media—in addition to words on paper we now have communications media like an interactive website, streaming video, or a multi-player online game.

With these new media come challenges. Each communicates messages and emotions in very different way, using a wide variety of production techniques to convey meaning. Media literacy examines how color, music, layout, motion, lighting, camera angles, and similar techniques affect a person’s perception and understanding of the content being presented to them. And acquiring media literacy skills means being able to think critically about what’s being presented and evaluating it more fully.

The following are good resources for more information about media literacy:

• The Center for Media Literacy
• National Association for Media Literacy Education
• Media Literacy Clearinghouse