It is important to offer an educational framework or resources that support the conversations shared here about media literacy. It is hard to separate media literacy from visual literacy and learning. Yet, other media elements impact how we understand, interpret, and many times act as well. Here is my photo taken while on vacation in Spain. What is behind the purple door?

As educators, how can we magnify our message with digital media?

The Center for Media Literacy: states that "Media literacy is not a new subject to teach — but a new way to teach all subjects!" There is a vast amount of resources, studies, and writings that focus on media literacy. My perspective comes from teaching visual arts in the classroom, working with media and digital art as a creative, communicative tool, and from a passion to connect the "visual dots" in our awareness.
Here is a link to an excellent slide show that offers a complete overview presented by the Center for Media Literacy

Another rich source of information is the Media Literacy Awareness Network. The resources shared promote critical thinking in young people about the media.

Here is an example of highly creative visual storytelling. The fact that this video is shared to all who would appreciate it, where we can offer feedback to the publisher, is an amazing part of the media-packed, Web 2.0 world we enjoy today. Go to YouTube today, and give ozsezsu, the artist, feedback on his work. You can read other comments as well.

One thing to consider though, about this creative work, is the music. Is it copyrighted? I would think so. The dilemma in education is, how can we encourage copyright practices, when we see it being broken frequently? This is a good time to talk about utilizing creative commons work, and also copyright free music available out there, or, better yet, music that has been created by the artist. There will be more conversations about this coming up!

Verdi Traviata Choeur Bohemiens, YouTube, published by ozsezsu
Shared Post at: art teacher's guide to the internet

Construction Zone: Teachers creating and building Blogs, Wikis, and Podcasts
I have heard from some very talented students today. Many have been researching the best practices behind educational technology, along with the potential of Web 2.0 tools. But their research was not wide open, rather they pointed towards a learning goal. They supported the use of the tech tools by grounding the technology with sound teaching practices. Students’ presentations were outstanding, and they ended up teaching each other the very concepts that I would later cover. They created some wonderful student products in the form of PowerPoint Presentations. Some wanted to learn more about technology tools that they could use in their classrooms and curriculum. Others wanted to learn how to publish, to develop a web presence. I was so excited that most did not hold back, that they felt it was very necessary to move into this Web 2.0 World. Barriers are realized, but students are seeing how their students can be engaged in blogging, in and outside the school setting.

Next stop, building their web presence/podcast. I am sure it will be amazing. The students are hungry to learn, and willing to step into new territory as they work. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to work along side this upbeat, hard working graduate group.

Web 2.0 tools offer educators an opportunities to engage students in Web based collaborations. Students are no longer consumers of knowledge, but rather producers, sharing and publishing what they have learned an understand.
Blogs, Wikis, and other Web Tools are available to us for free. Many tools are especially geared to educators and students.