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Why do school students need media literacy: CISC launches “Vlogger`s WEEK” in cooperation with 1+1 Media School
In Sweden, famous for its efficient approaches to teaching, media education is obligatory since 1980, and in Denmark – since 1979. At the end of XX century Ontario Teachers Association formulated the principles of media literacy, one of which was that the media shape our perception of reality, but are not an objective reflection of the real world.
XXI century. Let’s imagine what would happen if we didn’t put the information flowing constantly from all the sources nowadays through the filter called «critical thinking».
«Before my studies at the institute I had no media literacy at all. And it had an impact on me. Any gossip, fake, unverified information was perceived by me as real fact. Over time, I learned to distinguish truth from fiction. And now it is very interesting to watch my mother and grandmother. Because once they read some incomprehensible post on Facebook, they start believing it’s true. And every time I try to convince them that it’s necessary to verify the sources and find out the authority of this particular author or media. Because nowadays anyone can write, but almost nobody takes responsibility for the written. That’s why in my classes I am not only sharing the stories about my mom and grandma, but am also trying to teach critical thinking and the ability to swim in the ocean of media like a shark in the sea! Media literacy must be developed, since it’s vitally necessary not only for IT professionals but also for professionals in any other sphere»
CISC really strives for our students to be media literate, able to filter the media content, and, in an ideal scenario – to create it and influence the development of Ukrainian media market.
As Sviatoslav points out, Ukrainian media market is in real need of people with unconventional thinking, going against cliches and stereotypes, able to invent something new, to calculate the risks and to create really cool products. That’s why at his lectures Sviatoslav always emphasizes the importance of unconventional thinking, and literally makes the students fantasize, forget the limits and boundaries, and create something crazy. Very often this «crazy» is what excites everyone and breaks the stereotypes.
Several months ago CISC network of private schools in cooperation with 1+1 Media School, has launched the Media faculty, which is included into the educational course of carreer orientation, and a separate Media course for children from other schools.
- Starting this April, upon requests of our students and their parents, we are launching the Vlogger course, both for CISC students and the students from other educational establishments.
The topics to be included into the course: public speech, acting on camera, creation and promotion of websites, video editing, сreation and promotion of content in social media, channel-building strategy.
Olena Konoplia, Head of Media People Education in Media&Production High School, tells us about the kids acquaintance with the media world
The students’ acquaintance with the media world usually starts with media literacy and the TV basics, since these disciplines help them to flexibly master the necessary terminology. And as soon as the students and the team start communicating in one TV language, the classes turn into a real working process, with separate blocks of journalism studies, production, directing and acting. The students practice news writing, composing stories, news presentation etc.
Sofia Bolokhovets, a 5-grade student in CISC, once set her goal – to become an actress. She started her Media course studies to try whether she really likes it, and, if so, to continue her development in that sphere.
«I was an awesome experience, when we made business cards, organized a special photo shoot, made video presentations. I was really impressed with professionals assisting us, helping and giving guidance, telling what aspects are worth paying attention to.
I am not really camera shy, but when I’m anxious, my voice may become strained. Speakers suggested several breathing exercises, which helped me speak confidently and distinctly. We did something new on each of the classes, and it was very cool.
I really liked that we did not only listen, but had lots of practice as well. We tried acting and hosting shows.»
Which challenges the children face while studying this course
Journalist of «Breakfast with 1+1» Nataliia Shchuka recalls that some of the girls were very shy to speak on camera. But they dreamt of making their own YouTube and social media channels. «While we were working together, they managed to conquer this insecurity and started speeking confidently and freely. I think it’s a victory!»
Work on the projects
«The students implement their projects at each of the classes. I’m only providing the «field» for it. I am watching carefully, giving hints when necessary. We learned how to give and take the interviews. In the results, the students were given the task to shoot a cool and mind-blowing interview, but in TikTok format and lasting not more than 15 seconds. One might think that this time not enough for a person to open up, but it’s not so. Our students managed to complete their projects and prove that anything is possible», – says Sviatoslav Rodiuk
8-grade CISC students Maria and Michelle recollect that when they were shooting the video for TikTok they had to train to ask funny questions, tell hilarious stories, but with a serious expression on their faces. Meaning that the children were taught to take control over their own emotions. Because it’s unprofessional for a journalist to start laughing at something during the broadcast when it’s inappropriate.
«We have developed our public speech skill even more, and now we have experience of working with a professional camera, memorizing the texts, we have developed our acting skills, all of which is required for TV. IT was cool to speak with real reporters, to be shot on camera by real camera engineers working for TV channels. It was awesome!», – the girls recall with excitement.
«I want to have my own YouTube channel about edutainment, that’s why I decided to join the Media course, to master the necessary knowledge and competences. At this course, I discovered there was no need to be afraid of the audience, learned to act on camera, to control my gestures, because all this is necessary to make a channel and to attract the public attention.» – Mark Mazur, student of the 5th grade in CISC, shares his impressions.
What competences will the children develop, what will they be able to do?
Michelle, student of the 8th grade, is convinced that such knowledge will be necessary in all spheres. Because when you have to defend a professional project, you have to do it professionally, cope with the stress and pressure, attract and hold the attention of the audience.
As Nataliia Shchuka mentions, the children will need public speech skills at their exams or even job interviews. The ability to speak briefly and accurately, to express their opinion correctly and without fear is very important for the children. And if we speak about professional skills, they will help in becoming a journalist, actor, script writer, blogger, news presenter or show host.
«Media literacy will help the children to identify manipulation, learn to check the facts and filter the information flowing from all around, to distinguish the facts from fiction»
Beside professional competences, the children will learn to be stress resistant, to be less timid, and to oppose with facts, ideas and creative thinking. And even more – to be courageous, to break the cliches and to create their own «axioms».
Click HEREto learn more about the “Vlogger’s WEEK”
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