Approaches to Literacy
Analyzing California Student Media Festival Winning Videos View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Lesley Farmer
The researchers conducted an extensive examination of winning student videos from the California Student Media Festival (CSMF) spanning the years 2009 to 2023. This content analysis aimed to gauge the quality of these videos and shed light on the diverse participation of schools in the festival. By scrutinizing high-quality videos across different school levels and years, the researchers sought to identify common technical and content factors, particularly those that reflect media and information literacy. The analysis also examined the patterns of participating schools. The analyzed videos not only provided insights into the evolving interests and agendas of students but also showcased their adeptness in embracing emerging technologies and employing a variety of digital tools. Notably, the presence of media assignments and teacher guidance underscored the vital role of school support and instruction in nurturing students' media production skills. However, the study also revealed that there remains untapped potential for growth in the realm of media literacy education.
Fashion Images as Critical Pedagogy: A Starting Point with Style and Substance
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Louisa Rogers
Many scholars have emphasized the importance of encouraging critical pedagogic practice, particularly in an era of dis/misinformation. Non-stop media bombardment and the loss of critical analysis from curricula have created an environment in which citizens are more likely to take images at face-value with potentially complicated implications for democracy, fairness and social equity. Having worked exclusively with fashion students for six years, in this paper I propose an interdisciplinary methodology for using fashion images as a starting point for civic dialogue that can involve individuals with little or no prior interest or knowledge of politics. The specific qualities of fashion images as visually striking, semiotically rich and anchored to genders, racialized bodies make them an underutilized but ideal resource for exploring and scaffolding media literacies in younger generations.
Teaching Media Literacy for Understanding Historical Images in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Empowering Critical Thinking and Visual Analysis in a Digital World
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Andrew Simoncelli, Paul Wilson
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes the way we create, share, and interpret visual content, the ability to critically evaluate historical images is more essential than ever. Our research offers a framework for teaching online students how to evaluate the origins, biases, and manipulative potentials of both authentic and AI-generated visuals. The scope of our work covers students in both history and journalism courses in both the online and physical classroom. This paper explores the intersection of media literacy, historical analysis, and AI-driven technologies, emphasizing the importance of equipping learners with the skills to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape. Practical strategies are discussed, including the application of AI tools for detecting manipulated images and showing the history of how these photographs will impact historical accuracy. Additionally, we address ethical considerations in the use of AI to recreate or alter historical imagery and the broader implications for cultural memory and historical truth. By integrating media literacy with historical inquiry, we empower individuals to critically assess the authenticity, context, and purpose of historical images. This study aims to foster critical thinking and ethical awareness, ensuring that learners can discern fact from fabrication while engaging with historical images in the age of AI.
