In this issue, we celebrate the passage of media literacy legislation in states around the country with special focus on California and Washington. We interviewed two individuals who played (are playing) pivotol roles in this effort -- Marilyn Cohen, a top media literacy researcher and advocate from Washington State; and Jennifer Howeter, from the California Department of Education.
Media literacy education requires the use of media in the classroom so it’s important for educators and administrators – as well as students and parents – to have a basic understanding of the structure and purpose of legal frameworks addressing intellectual property, particularly regarding copyright. This issue includes interviews with copyright experts Renee Hobbs, professor of communication studies, and David Sohn, copyright lawyer. The MediaLit Moments activity offers a simple way to introduce the concept to students.
In this issue of Connections, we discuss schools as online and offline communities, and how media literacy skills can empower students to actively and responsibly address the difficult topics and risks of our day. We share front-line insights from National School Walkout Day, with a case study on media literacy in action. We also explore how to help students understand their own part in communities, with parent involvement. Includes interviews with Rose Pierre-Louis of Connecticut Public’s Thinkalong program, and Mary Ann Sund of Lersun Development.
The representation of gender in media has long been a subject of fascination as well as critical analysis and change management for those advancing and practicing media literacy. In this issue of Connections, we highlight two organizations addressing these issues worldwide. Promundo, founded in Brazil in 1997, promotes gender equality and violence prevention by engaging men and boys in partnership with women and girls. The Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP) teams with more than 100 countries to keep accurate data on gender representation in the news.
This issue of Connections explores confirmation bias and the role it plays in our decision-making process. We interviewed professor Jason Ohler who says, “confirmation bias is fake news’ best friend.” We also introduce our new CML Fellow and Affiliate Michele Johnsen. Note correction: the famous bias study cited as a resource was authored by Albert Hastorf and Hadley Cantril.