Media Education in Relation to Internet Use and Big Data

Boys and a girl looking at a laptop at home and learning. www.thenounproject.com

Big data technology is supporting the emergence of new educational models, such as digital learning and customised curricula. Most modern consumers are extremely reliant on technology. Today’s smartphones, cars and appliances aid consumers in navigating the world and managing the basic necessities of living. Some devices entertain, others provide important life-enhancing functions and some innovations improve the quality of education.

The term media was first used to describe newspapers more than two centuries ago. Today media has many different connotations. For instance, there are mass media, print media, visual media and social media. While media can take on many different forms, the purpose of all media is universally the same -- media is a channel of communication.

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Despite all the risks and dangers we have already discussed in the previous modules of this course, the Internet and Big Data also offer many opportunities for children. For example, modern technologies can complement and enrich teaching. Media can be used in direct instruction, active learning teaching strategies and student projects:

Existing media resources can be used within lectures to stimulate interest in and develop knowledge of the material being taught. This traditional approach is teacher-centric, and information is pushed to the learner. Media allows the instructor to facilitate the transfer of expert knowledge to novice learners. Given the tremendous rate of technological change, instructors face an ongoing challenge in choosing the most effective media platform to reach their students. Instructors can also create their own media to effectively and efficiently convey knowledge.
Existing media resources can also be used to engage students and facilitate active learning strategies which promote deeper learning. For example, media provides a useful platform for teaching with cases, combined learning, problem solving and for giving more interactive learning.
Student-created media involves a high degree of engagement; promotes individual learning, social interaction and immersion; and is highly customisable and collaborative.

In media education it is important to understand and use media, the internet and modern technologies as tools. With the right guidance, they can support learning processes and train critical handling. At the same time, children must be made aware of risks and be guided to critically assess and reflect on the use of content. Read more about the Internet as an educational tool in the article The Internet and Education that you find in the resources section.

Exercise

You are to find mechanisms on how to evaluate what children see online - This will enable children to make judgements about what they see online and not automatically assume that what they see is true, valid or acceptable.

You can help children and parents consider questions including:

Is this website/URL/email fake? How can I tell?
What does this cookie do and what information am I sharing?
Is this person who they say they are?
Why does someone want me to see this?
Why does someone want me to send this?
Why would someone want me to believe this?
Why does this person want my personal information?
What’s behind this post?
Is this too good to be true?
Is this fact or opinion?

What you learn in this course

You'll be able to state why media education in relation to Internet Use, Big Data and problematic contents is already relevant in this age group.
You'll be able to classify which contents need to be addressed in the field of media education.
You'll be able to develop tips on how parents can implement media education at home and how they can handle these devices and contents as safely as possible.

Get ready: Tips for MediaParent consultants

In many ways, it is difficult to discuss any aspect of contemporary society without considering the Internet. Many people’s lives are saturated so thoroughly with digital technology that the once obvious distinction between either being online or offline now fails to do justice to a situation where the Internet is implicitly always on.

It is important to teach students and parents about the underpinning knowledge and behaviours that can help children to navigate the online world safely and confidently regardless of the device, platform or app.

Media complements professional/teacher led learning by encouraging students to listen to music, read print materials, or watching a documentary or movie clip. The primary advantage of this approach is that the instructor takes on the role of a facilitator who helps students interpret what they are listening to, reading, or seeing. Media can also be student generated. This approach utilises asks the student to step into the role of the teacher and create content that will engage learners and help them to master concepts. Lastly, social media can also be used to enhance teaching and learning and it includes varied online technology tools that allow people to communicate easily via the internet to share information and resources. As MediaParent consultants, you can motivate parents and teachers to see media as tools and to try out these new approaches to learning - at home or in the school context.

Involving children in creating media encourages collaboration, accountability, creativity, and mastery of ideas and concepts. Importantly, one does not need a large budget, fancy studio, or advanced degree to create original media that is informative, entertaining and educational.

Do note professionals/teachers/parents do not need to be media savvy. Our children have grown up in the digital age and they are comfortable with technology. Professionals/teachers/parents should help children focus on creating content that is meaningful for the intended audience.