Educational Media Reviews Online

One part of a two DVD-series aimed at increasing media and advertising awareness, Understanding Media Literacy is targeted towards high school students. Divided primarily by type of media (television commercials, songs, online ads, textbooks, photos, and subliminal ads, among others), the DVD uses peppy music and short segment blocks to convey its message to attention-deprived teens. In addition to standard ads that most of us probably think of, like television, radio, or newspaper ads, it includes less obvious forms such as textbooks and movie trailers. Each segment is capped by an informative “Good to Know” screen with basic or interesting facts on that media type.

Understanding Media Literacy emphasizes that teens should be active consumers, questioning advertiser motives and any possible bias or connections the creator may have to the product. It also notes that sometimes ads rarely mention the product but instead try to sell a lifestyle or image. For example, a beverage company that shows skiers in their ad instead of the product. The DVD encourages students to go beyond themselves, thinking how other age, racial, or ethnic groups might view the same advertisement. Understanding Media Literacy encourages the “who, what, how, where and why” form of questioning.

While this program might be too simple for advanced teenagers, it is a good starting point for discussing media literacy. With advertisements creeping into more places than ever, including on athletic apparel or in restaurant restrooms, this savvy thinking can only help teens in the future. The shorter-segment format seems especially appealing for this age group. Part two of the series, Teaching Media Literacy: Asking Questions, is targeted towards teachers and other educators. Six educators featured in the video are mostly affiliated with the Center for Media Literacy, a California-based media literacy educational group. Several media experts and an elementary school teacher are also included.

Focusing on three main tenets —all media messages are constructed, targeted, and want to sell you something — the DVD strives to “turn students into questioners.” The panelists mention activities that can be done both at home and school to increase a child’s knowledge of media techniques. For example, who owns a particular textbook, and do they have any political ties? Parents and children can also talk about commercials and the messages that they send.

While there was nothing wrong with Teaching Media Literacy: Asking Questions, it was hardly a stimulating DVD. It could be a useful DVD for a teacher to view prior to planning a media literacy session. It also brought up some good general points about critical thinking. But if it came down to this and a more specialized source, the specialized source will win out.