Media Smarts: Kids Learn How to Navigate the Multimedia World
Teachers are discovering the value of imparting media-literacy skills, from critical analysis of news programs, commercials, and films to basic design and video-production techniques. More to this story.
| Buy DVD | Download | Credits
Release Date: 7/13/2005
Running Time: 8 min.
Video Credits
Produced, Written, and Directed by
- Ken Ellis
Associate Producer:
- Miwa Yokoyama
Editor:
- Karen Sutherland
Assistant Editor:
- Stacy Bloom
Camera Crew:
- Brian Cardello
- Orlando Video Productions, Inc.
- Duncan Sinclair
- Jason Watkins
Narrator:
- Kris Welch
Original Music:
- Ed Bogas
Intern:
- Kari Barber
Additional footage courtesy of
- Jacob Burns Film Center
- © 2005
- The George Lucas Educational Foundation
- All rights reserved.
Close window
This video is available as a free download from iTunes U. Download video
If you do not have iTunes on your computer, download iTunes here.
Downloaded videos are designed to play on computers and PDAs and are most appropriate for personal or small group viewing. For best quality or for large-screen presentations, this video is also available for purchase.



this video is really nice. it shows how important media literacy for us humans. media-literacy skills helps both the teachers and the students in a way that teaching and learning is more convenient and easy for the both of them. Students are more interested to learn through media...media literacy helps both teachers and students learn the proper use and importance of media in our life.
Very Informative Piece
This video clip does a good job of showcasing the need of diversifying our school curriculums. Many schools are driven to help students perform well on their state standardized tests, however, in the process, students are often deprived of taking part in activities like the ones showcased in your video.
I believe that students will be more self-motivated to improve their literacy skills, simply based on their desire of wanting to create a better short-film or other media-rich presentation.
Great job on getting the word out!
This video was powerful. It affirmed what I have been thinking and sharing with my staff. Media literacy along with other technology literacies are a must for our students to be successful consumers and workers of the 21st. Media literacy provides students real and meaningful expriences. Students become enthralled and self directed learners. Thank you for the insight.
Powerful Insights for All Teachers
Your video was not only insightful but motivating. Admittedly often our students have difficulty accepting the written word as the best way to share ideas and fight learning reading, writing, gramar, etc. Through digital classes I see the kids opening up and eagerly meeting the teacher's objectives. As an educator of special needs populations, this venue could provide the motivation and opportunity for many of my students to make connections which are all too often missed. Where could I go to learn more?
Media-Literacy Resources
Staff comment:
Thanks for your kind comments. You can find more resources in the article that accompanies this video.
Video Grammar and Literacy
I teach high school broadcast journalism, and I while agree with Mr. Lucas that we need to teach the "grammar" of film making to our students, I firmly believe that they must also master the traditional framework of English composition in order to effectively tell a story. One of my students was recently hired by the local NBC affiliate to work as a photographer/editor in their studio.(This was based partially on a documentary he had produced) This station had never before hired a high school student, and when I asked the producer why she hired him, she said that it was his writing skills that impressed her the most. He's a good editor and an excellent photographer, but in the end he still needed a strong grounding in writing to get the job.
Great Video
I enjoyed the video and it really hit home. We need to hone in on the skills that students have. I enjoyed the video.
art
I forwarded the site to other teachers in our school. We've all been scratching our heads as to the best method of using technology in the schools. Many teachers use software to type reports, construct presentations of information for the primary intent of learning how to use specific software, but few really tap into the power of presenting information that makes a difference in the community we live in. The arts are also perceived as 'artsy' which means therapeutic or fun not as a valid form of communication. This shifts the emphasis on media education explored through the arts. Nice job.
A media literacy clearing house
I invite you to surf over to my Media Literacy Clearinghouse website for resources and consideration of professional development for your teachers...to get them up to speed on 21st century literacies. Frank Baker, Columbia SC
Digital audio and radio controls
Mr. Lucas see the need for students to learn the "grammer" of film making; Mr. Rizzo, above, sees the importance of English composition; I would probably emphasize the necessity to create compelling audio in this Web 2 world. We all see the world through our own lenses, and, justifiably, want to impress the students we instruct with the importance of our disciplines.
This creates quite a conundrum: how to fit it all in, effectively, in one lifetime? Education will change. I think it will change in ways that most of us haven't imagined so far.