Cool! Yeah...I think there are major and significant differences between "digital literacy" and "media literacy" (the latter sometimes referred to as visual literacy")
This is my thinking: Digital literacy comprises two types of understanding: technical and content/critical. The former has to do with the physical act of negotiating the complex terrain of devices, databases, etc.--knowing how to push the buttons and make the digital dog jump thru hoops. Knowing the apposite uses and limits of the technology. The latter has to do with the critical assessment of the content contained in the digital domain: how to read and assess web resources and other online content; how to effectively (and ethically) use digital content in research and learning. Media literacy (or visual literacy)has to do with the critical "reading" and assessment of the images (and sounds) offered up via various media (including online)...in other words, MEF territory: how to understand the ways in which various media work us over, inform our lives, shape the world. Understanding the grammar, syntax, and semiotics of media images...the movies and docs and the news and sitcoms and everything else that moves on the screen. Understanding the politics and means of media manipulation and distribution. At least that's my take. Gary > I have been asked to talk to faculty about some version of these > "literacies", and suggest some ways our library help our students become > more media/digital, or trans literate. > My first question: what is the difference between these terms? > And the second is like it: what is the preferred term? > And finally, if anyone has any ideas about programs or services that might > support development of said literacies, I'd love to hear them. Thanks, as > always, o collective wisdom! > > Maureen Tripp > Media Librarian > Iwasaki Library > 120 Boylston Street > Boston, MA 02116 > [email protected] > (617)824-8407 > > > > VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of > issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic > control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in > libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve > as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of > communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video > producers and distributors. > Gary Handman Director Media Resources Center Moffitt Library UC Berkeley 510-643-8566 [email protected] http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/MRC "I have always preferred the reflection of life to life itself." --Francois Truffaut VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors.
