Director, Youth Services, Glen Carbon Library
By Magi Henderson
Of all of the definitions that I found out there in the ether world, I like this one best. It comes from Jane Tallim, Education Specialist, The Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.
“Media literacy is the ability to sift through and analyze the messages that inform, entertain and sell to us every day. It’s the ability to bring critical thinking skills to bear on all media— from music videos and Web environments to product placement in films and virtual displays on NHL hockey boards. It’s about asking pertinent questions about what’s there, and noticing what’s not there. And it’s the instinct to question what lies behind media productions— the motives, the money, the values and the ownership— and to be aware of how these factors influence content.”
I like the definition, it makes sense, to me, but how do we impart this understanding to a whole new generation of native digital learners and users who haven’t been taught the difference between sifting and shifting? Sifting means that you have the physical or mental ability to analyze and separate or understand the millions of messages that are launched at our conscious and unconscious minds through a wide variety of media every day. If an adult has difficulty sifting, imagine how much more difficult it is for a child to comprehend that just because you see it or hear it doesn’t make it so.
So if you can’t sift through the media that leaves you with shifting. You know the phrases: shifting sands, shifting thoughts, shifting actions. Nowhere in the definition of “shifting” does it mention stability. Children and Young Adults need stability. It should be on the list of Maslow’s Higher Needs, right after shelter and food. Children who do not receive guidance and media education from a trusted adult are going to spend a lot of time shifting through their lives, following the next charismatic leader or trend. Thinking for one’s self is not a common media message and it certainly is not being learned by children’s prefrontal cortexes that are being bombarded by a steady diet of dopamine flashes.
During the decades of the 1950’s through 1980’s there was a syndicated and franchised television show, “Romper Room”. I reviewed some of the Youtube videos of the show and remembered it fondly. It was the highlight of my day as a young child. Yes, I remember the collection of teachers all with names starting with “ Miss “ who did their best to impart manners, respect, and basic language skills to their seven students. (Yes, you’ll only count six student bodies, the camera was the seventh and it opened up a world of learning to me and millions of other children who were not old enough to be in school). Simplistic, yes by today’s media standards, but there was a whole nation of kids who waited for the show to come on every day, to be part of the classroom experience.
“Romper Room” for Media Education with a “Miss Media” and her magic mirror? Why not? I’m not boosting the idea of a resurrection of the Romper Room theme, but the basic premise of a trusted adult who imparts valuable common sense through the media about the media. It may be the best way to communicate with a new breed of digital native learners who are looking for a leader out of the digital media wilderness.
Talking to a child about media education is a simple concept but sometimes can be difficult to do. Sharing your knowledge of digital media is difficult when a child knows more about the computer than you do, or the last thing you want to do at night is to sit down with a child and talk about media literacy after dinner and homework.
Media literacy is not rocket science, but it is a critical skill, a skill that should be imparted to all children in this brave new world of apps, smart phones, and social media. That smart phone or tablet that they are playing with today is the future of the internet. You can be their guide or you can stand aside and watch someone else take over your child’s thoughts and actions. “Miss Media” the hearts and minds of the next generation of digital media rompers are waiting for you. When you’re ready to take the lead, just Facebook me, or send a tweet. If you tweet, they will follow.
Bio Magi Henderson is Youth Services Director at Glen Carbon Centennial Library and a Life Long Learner. In her many incarnations she has been a CPA, CISA, Dept. of Defense Systems Auditor, Teacher, and her most prized role, Mother and Nurturer.
