Multimedia Literacy

Will Richardson's post on a bit of media news is the latest in mounting evidence that educators need to incorporate multimedia literacy into general education.

Apparently TV ratings hit record lows a couple weeks ago, caused in part by the exploding popularity of online video sites like YouTube. A remarkable thing about YouTube is the success of ostensibly homegrown video. While much of YouTube is copyrighted video, 58 of the top 100 most popular clips were created by YouTube users, not the networks or studios. This is where are culture is headed. This is where creative talent will thrive. Is this reflected in our education?

Responding to this cultural and technological shift, political ads are now going online in the form of audio and video podcasts and viral videos. The online video world is not just a playground of goofy skits and stunts. It is a contested terrain for our hearts and minds. Media literacy -- how to make and deconstruct media -- creates an immune system against manipulation and cultivates critical thinking.

It will not be ten page term papers that galvanizes the populace. Nor will it be fill in the bubble surveys. It will be well-crafted digital media.

Technorati Tags: YouTube, Media Literacy