In a media-saturated world, equal and high-quality media literacy is increasingly important. However, the development of media literacy is not an easy task. Fortunately, media literacy professionals have a lot of possibilities to find solutions to complex challenges.
In the midst of rapid changes, impactful solutions can be found, for example, by listening to others, learning about current phenomena and concepts, discussing together and reflecting on issues from the perspective of one’s own experiences and strengths.
The new Media literacy reflections – video series offers professionals working in the field of media literacy and related topics the opportunity to explore and reflect on current phenomena from the perspective of their own expertise.
Video series offer points for reflection
The presentations by international experts help to make connections between different concepts, sectors, communities and social environments, while inspiring new thinking and opening up new perspectives. By making conceptual thinking visible and reflecting together, new ways of promoting media literacy can be found.
Tanya Notley presents the Australian approach to media literacy, its key concepts and framework. The presentation encourages to reflect on how to meaningfully integrate critical thinking into media literacy work.
However, the meanings of concepts are not self-evident and can be linked to wider social phenomena.
Drawing on his research, Johan Farkas reflects on the role of knowledge and democracy in the “post-truth” era. Farkas encourages us to consider how we can work against political manipulation and misinformation while strengthening democracy in society. What implications does this have for the promotion of media literacy?
The meaning of media literacy is widely recognized, but it is particularly important in times of crisis.
How did the promotion of media literacy in Ukraine change when Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022? Valeria Kovtun discusses the changing role of media literacy development during war. Kovtun address key aspects of media literacy in times of crisis, while highlighting essential questions that will help to promote media literacy skills among professionals in different fields. How do we ensure that our societies are prepared for critical crisis situations and what role should media literacy play in this preparation?
While media literacy is discussed internationally, the local context provides the basis for its meaningful development. Societal, political and educational circumstances can create specific challenges but also opportunities. In his lecture, Julio César Mateus paints a picture of media education in Latin America, while encouraging to reflect the potential of the concept of educomunicación to deepen media literacy.
Although we are living in a highly digitalized world, we also have opportunities to influence it. However, this cannot be taken for granted. How can we ensure that people have the opportunity to be involved in influencing change? Alicja Pawluczuk describes digital transformation, its key concepts and perspectives, especially from a youth work perspective. What is the role of media literacy in strengthening participation in the digital world?
Support for professional competence development
The video series can be found at Media literacy in Finland website
You can use the videos to develop your own thinking or use them to stimulate discussion in your professional community. Welcome along!
Lauri Palsa, PhD, Senior adviser, National audiovisual institute KAVI
P.S. Media literacy reflections is an open platform. You can suggest new topics and content themes or even share your own expertise if you are interested. Feel free to contact media education team.
