In this learning pathway we investigate a number of theoretical perspectives on mass media focusing on how the medium and organisations can influence the message. Media literacy requires that you develop a critical disposition for analysis and evaluation. This learning pathway includes video and text resources published from different sources, and learners are encouraged to apply their skills of discernment when consulting online resources embedded in this learning pathway.
On successful completion of this learning pathway you will be able to:
- Summarise the mainstream technologies for mass media since the invention of movable type and the printing press
- Distinguish the roles of media platforms in society and list examples of different types of power exerted through these platforms.
- Explain the meaning of "the medium is the message".
- Identify examples illustrating the filters of editorial bias in mass media.
- Explain how hidden ideology can bias representation of race, gender, ethnicity and religion in the mass media.
- Describe the influence of citizen journalism on mass media.
- Reflect on the effects of social media, the internet and globalisation on society and popular culture in your country.
- Reflect on the implications of fake news for learning in a digital age and your chosen area of work.
- Analyse the effect of the medium and publisher on news coverage in the media.
In this learning pathway we consider a number of critical perspectives from different world views. As a digital citizen, it is also important that you engage ethically in the learning process, especially when considering what you post online given the diverse global audience of the OERu. (Please read the OERu acceptable conduct section of our terms of service. The OERu will not tolerate offensive comments, insults, personal attacks, obscenity, flaming, trolling, or inappropriate language and reserves the right to ban disruptive accounts.)
