INTRODUCTION

Module: Media and Information Literacy

This module focuses on the field of Media and Information Literacy. Now that
the workforce often has gaps in the increasing number of available jobs, the Department
of Education is regenerating its resources to prepare the younger generation in
enhancing their skills as responsible media practitioners. Thus, this module aims to
provide students with the sufficient knowledge and motivation in the media industry. This
module also aims to serve as a reliable guide and source of information amidst the
COVID-19 pandemic.

In this course, you will be introduced to different learning activities that shall
prepare you to be knowledgeable before entering the world of media, whether it’s in the
field of journalism, television, or film.

So, explore and experience the Media and Information Literacy module specifically
aimed for K to 12 students and be a step closer to being a modern and responsible
media practitioner.

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MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA AND

INFORMATION LITERACY
Learning content:
• Media Literacy
• Information Literacy
• Technology Literacy

Content Standard: The learner demonstrates understanding of media and information literacy and other MIL
related concepts.

Performance Standard: The learner organizes a creative and interactive symposium for the community
focusing on being a media and information literate individual.

Learning Competencies for Lesson 1: The learners can –

1. Describe how communication is affected by media and information;
2. Identify the similarities and differences of media literacy, information literacy, and technology literacy;
3. Editorialize the value of being a media and information literate individual;
4. Describe the responsible uses of competent producers of media and information;
5. Share media habits, lifestyles, and preferences to the class.
6. Defines information needs, locates, accesses, assess, organizes, and communicates information; and
7. Demonstrates ethical use of information.

Key Concepts

What is Media?
The original means of mass communication was print – magazines, journals, and newspapers
– also known as publications. Radio and television were added to the group but the term “publications”
would not fit as one category. Writers eventually borrowed the term “media” from advertising people
because it encompasses all means of communication (Zarate, 2017).

MEDIA LITERACY
Media literacy is a skill that allows people to understand media messages posted in websites,
social media networks, or any form of media. It enables the viewers, readers, and listeners to explore
and investigate the information spread by media and deliver critical judgements on various issues.

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This explores stories from books, podcasts, magazines, cable sports, networks, radio shows,
parody news, and cartoons. Messages shown by media influences the way people view things and how
it is being projected in real life. It helps the audiences of media express their opinions as to who, why,
and what these messages represent. This empowers citizens to engage and participate in a social
media discussion on specific issues, giving their idea and suggestions.
The media is important because it presents cultural practices while developing new customs for
the audiences; it provides information to people that will guide them better decisions in regards with
their career; it provides the audience a better perspective and bring them to places; it immerses the
people into the real world; it motivates people to do something on their goals; and shapes ideas that
people encounter from time to time (SyGaco, 2018).

INFORMATION LITERACY
Information literacy is a skill that takes place to individuals who understand the timeliness of
information and during situations that require them to locate, evaluate, and use the information
appropriately. This is the main essence of research. The ability of getting information that you need
whether you are researching through the library or the internet is an example of information literacy.
Through information literacy, it will be easier for a person to write academic papers or when
asked to do research in the workplace. This also empowers you to think critically, evaluate, provide
opinions, suggestions, and solutions to societal problems. It also helps you to become creative as you
plan and organize information. Lastly, this trains us to identify when we need information, where to find
it, and how to utilize it properly (SyGaco, 2018).
Information literacy is very significant for today’s learners because it promotes problem solving
approaches and thinking skills – asking questions and seeking answers, finding information, forming
opinions, evaluating sources and making decisions. As a result, successful learners, effective
contributors, confident individuals and responsible citizens are increasing in our current society
(Scottish Information Literacy Project, 2013).

TYPES OF INFORMATION
(1) Dormant Needs
Most people are not aware that they have an information gap and that there is knowledge out
there than can be useful. This can be achieved through searching in the internet and querying
through experts for verification purposes.

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(2) Unexpressed Needs

Users are aware of their information needs but do nothing to fill the disparities.

Information Wants
Some people are not motivated to seek information due to information overload, unavailability
to access data, inability to locate information, and lack of access to search for needed information. As
for the workplace, job satisfaction is the key to determine whether some employees attempt to fill the
information they need.

Information Demands
This is an information request for an item thought to be wanted.

Information Use
This is a satisfied demand as an outcome of googling, browsing, or accidental finding.

FIVE STANDARDS IN INFORMATION LITERACY

Knowing, Accessing, Evaluating, Using, and Implementing Ethical Information

1. Knowing the Information

An information literate knows the scope and scale of the information being needed and wanted.
Knowing is the foundation of information literacy. The learner must know how information is generated,
organized, and circulated.
The learner questions:
1) What do I want to know?
2) What kind of information do I need?
3) How much information do I really need?

2. Accessing the Information

Information literate individual gains and accesses useful and essential information. It perceives
the learner’s ability to gain information efficiently. On the occasion that the learner fails to understand
the given information, problems can occur during the process of acquisition.
The learner questions:

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1) What is the best way I can get this information?

2) Am I employing the appropriate terms for this research?
3) From which search system and resources can I acquire this information?

3. Evaluating Information
Information literate individual assess information and sources and integrates the collected
information into knowledge and value system of the person. The learner acquires critical thinking skills
when analyzing information.
The learner questions:
1) Is this an authentic source of information?
2) How can I interpret the information or in another perspective?
3) How can the newly acquired information affect what I have learned?

4. Using the Information

An information literate individual uses information efficiently to achieve a specific goal. Knowing
how to utilize information technology is essential.
The learner questions:
1) What is the best technique in showing information?
2) Will the message I want get across?
3) Are the research materials helpful to my ideas?

5. Implementing Ethical Information

The information literate individual understands economic, legal, and social issues enclosing the
use and access of information. This means that the learner should be aware of the rules governing
such ethical and legal use of information.
The learner questions:
1) Can I duplicate this material?
2) What are the aspects of censorship?
3) What are the policies on information gathering, reproducing, and disseminating information?

After finding the needed information, proper credit must be given to the owners of the material if
one decides to borrow or use it in a certain project. Public domain information may not need information

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from the creators. However, it is beneficial to understand safeguarding and copyrighting original works.
This is the ethical use of information (SyGaco, 2018).

TECHNOLOGY LITERACY
Technology literacy is as simple as knowing how to operate simple electronic devices such as;
laptops, photocopying machines, washing clothes through the washing machine or changing the Wi-Fi
password. Technology is the transformation created by people to satisfy their needs, wants, and to be
productive in their daily routine. Technology literate individuals achieve their educational goals and tend
to pursue a profession of their own choice. They utilize technology to become problem solvers, good
communicators, and valuable users in our society (SyGaco, 2018).
Learners must become aware of the available technology and its basic purpose; they implement
and practice it in authentic situations if they are to reach the higher levels of technology literacy.
Technology literates know the capability of technology, knows how to utilize them proficiently and make
intellectual decisions about which technology to use and when to use it (Davies, 2011).

MEDIA: HABITS, LIFESTYLE AND PREFERENCES

Before the advent of internet, people kept themselves updated with the latest news around the
globe by reading the newspaper, listening to the radio, and watching television. During the 1950’s to
1960’s, owning a television was considered a luxury. Students visited museums and libraries for their
research. Excellent reads, good music, wholesome entertainment shows, and moving family dramas
also became a trend in the society. In 2000s, the internet was in full swing. Teenagers and young adults
diverted to watch movies and entertainment shows online. During the 1990s, purchasing CDs were the
trend. Now, people access music from YouTube, App stores, Spotify and other streaming applications.
Photoshop also became popular so that users can create artistic and spotless photos.
New terminologies are coined due to the evolution of media. Here are some examples:
• Selfie pertains to a photo taken by oneself.
• Hashtag (#) is usually attached to a keyword or phrase, so that people who might be searching
a related topic can get information from the link or message sought.
• Netizens are people who are actively engaged in the web.

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ESSENTIALS
• Media literacy is all about analyzing and
interpreting information that you see in media.
• Information literacy = ability to research
• Technology literacy is one’s adaptability to
various environments and situations with the use
of technology.
• Our habits, lifestyle, and preferences change
through the course of time because of media.

Self-Reflection

As we go further, let us first evaluate your current knowledge. Do you consider

yourself as a literate in each aspect (Media Literacy, Information Literacy, and
Technology Literacy)? Do you think there are still more to learn in each aspect? How are
these aspects connected from another? Explain within 150-250 words. (30 points)

RUBRICS
20 – Clarity (Structure of the essay is well-
written and thoughts are clear and
concise)
10 – Accuracy (All of the guide questions
were properly answered)

Good luck! We hope that this reflection

would help you discover more about
yourself.