Master the media: how teaching media literacy can save our plugged-in world

180 Pages·2015·2.553 MB·English

by  Smith, Julie

P
raisefor
Master the Media
“Media literacy is an essential subject for life in the twenty-first
century, and Julie Smith has written an essential guide.”
—Jack Lule, Professor and Chair of Journalism and
Communication, Lehigh University

“As our experience of media evolves from mere reception to active
participation, learning to think critically about content is not
enough. We must learn to act purposefully with these new tools
lest they, and the people behind them, act purposefully on us,
instead. In an era when nothing short of true mastery will do, Julie
Smith gives parents and educators clear and simple steps for how to
become media literate in the twenty-first century.”
—Douglas Rushkoff, Author,
Present Shock: When Everything Happens Now
“We must become more media-aware in our daily lives! Julie Smith’s
all-inclusive guide to exploring media literacy should be required
reading for every parent and educator in this digital age.”
—Jerry Blumengarten, @cybraryman1,
Connected Educator, Speaker, Writer
“Master the Media is a powerful resource that all educators and
parents should read to make us better aware of media’s 24/7
impact on us as consumers. Julie Smith’s insight into the world of
media literacy had me thinking, from the very first chapter, of our
responsibility, as parents and as educators, to help our children
evaluate all forms of media for truth and authenticity. This book
will make you reflect on how our world continues to evolve because
of technology and how it influences our lives on a daily basis.”
—Jimmy Casas, Award-winning Principal, Speaker and
Co-author, What Connected Educators Do Differently
“This book is for everyone who recognizes the power of the media,
and wants to know how that power is used and what we need to do
to master media literacy skills. Julie Smith explains why those of us
who promote media literacy education really are in it to save the
world.”
—Erin McNeill, Founder and President, Media Literacy Now
“As a parent, an educator, and as an informed citizen, I found
Master the Media to be a fascinating and eye-opening read on
the importance of media literacy. Julie Smith expertly unfolds the
history of the media around us, while providing tools to help us
become leaders of media literacy. A must read for every household!”
—Beth Houf, Middle School Principal
“Education of media should not be an elective within our learning
environments; education of media should be a pre-requisite within
primary education and a measured goal of literacy as a student
progresses through secondary education. Considering how much
influence media has on children and their cultural experiences,
laying a foundation of critical judgment of media for children
should become an objective for every educator in the world. This
book can help that process within our communities.”
—Jesse Miller, New Media and Social Media Educator,
MediatedReality.com
“Julie Smith manages to make the important—but all too often,
frighteningly dull—topic of media literacy interesting. Her book is
full of good examples and smart, engaging exercises designed to
make all of us critical, informed viewers of modern media culture.”
—Judd Slivka, Assistant Professor of Convergence Journalism,
University of Missouri School of Journalism
“Master the Media is an important book, directed at parents and
others who are in positions to influence the media habits of young
people. The book takes a very personal approach to the constructive
use of the media, offering support and direction, so that individuals
can develop a healthy independence from the messages they receive
through the media.”
—Art Silverblatt, Author,
Media Literacy: Keys to Interpreting Media Messages

How Teaching Media Literacy
Can Save Our Plugged-In World
by Julie Smith
Master the Media
© 2015 by Julie Smith
All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any
form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage
and retrieval systems, without permission in writing by the publisher, except by
a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. For information regarding
permission, contact the publisher at [email protected].
Th is book is available at special discounts when purchased
in quantity for use as premiums, promotions, fundraising,
and educational use. For inquiries and details, contact us:
[email protected].
Published by Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc.
San Diego, CA
http://daveburgessconsulting.com
Cover Design by Genesis Kohler
Editing and Interior Design by My Writers’ Connection
Library of Congress Control Number: 2015944519
Paperback ISBN: 978-0-9861554-4-4
Ebook ISBN: 978-0-9861554-5-1
First Printing: July 2015
Dedication

For all my Smiths
and all my Julies

Thank you…

Dave Burgess, for leaning across a table one night and saying, “You’ve
got a book in you.” And to his better half, Shelley, who held my hand
professionally, personally, and sisterly throughout the entire process.
Erin Casey, for making me sound more interesting than I really am.
Jack Lule, Patrick Murphy, and Cynthia Cooper, for being my first
and favorite media professors.
Art Silverblatt, for inspiring and influencing my career like no one
else. He is my Fairy Godprofessor, and I adore him.
Mary Kienstra, Heidi Jones, Jim Werner, and Doug Robertson, for
assisting in various stages of this project.
Carla Nieman, for planting a seed a few years ago.
Ellen Stimson, for sharing her secrets.
Mark Stevison, for saving a hard drive and my spirit one Monday
afternoon.
Julie Korenak, Julie Hoevelmann, Julie Dibble, Julie Knost, Julie
Heuer, and Julie Griffey, for being my Julies.
Norm Nilsson, for providing unwavering optimism and constant
cheerleading.
I love that Don Goble, Heather Melton, Tim Kohler, Tyann Cherry,
Candice Fee, Ashley Cramer, Krystal Wilson, and Blake Nichols were
so willing to share their passion for media literacy in this book.
Ian, Jack, and Sean, please make sure you marry someone who will
still let you hang out with us occasionally.
And Tom Nilsson? Don’t worry. I will always remember that you did
this first.