Guest Column - Preparing for the 3rd Annual Media Literacy Month at NCTV

Norfolk Community Television
When we were younger, we were all taught basic literacy skills so we could read, write, and understand each other and the world. Now that digital media has exploded, how do we prepare to understand and evaluate media messages that we come in contact with every single day? How does advertising affect our perception of ourselves and our peers? How do we tell the difference between a reputable source and a non-reputable source? Do we trust our peers on social media more than news outlets, and why? How do we keep ourselves and our families safe from online scams?
Enter Media Literacy.
“Media literacy is the ability to ACCESS, ANALYZE, EVALUATE, CREATE, and ACT using all forms of communication. In its simplest terms, media literacy builds upon the foundation of traditional literacy and offers new forms of reading and writing. Media literacy empowers people to be critical thinkers and makers, effective communicators and active citizens.” - National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE - www.namle.net)
As creators and consumers of media, the staff at NCTV seeks to help inform our community each year about media literacy basics and beyond. In the past, we’ve offered a series of workshops, screenings, and help with technology during the month of September. In preparation for our 3rd annual Media Literacy Month, we’re seeking your help! We have a quick 6-question survey to help assess what the community is interested in learning about so we can shape our program to fit the needs and interests of our members and supporters.
Please take just a few minutes to fill out the survey that can be found on our website at www.norfolkcable.com/medialiteracy.