Lesson 1: INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA AND INFORMATION LITERACY

Objectives:

     At the end of this lesson the students are expected to:

·         Describe how communication is influenced by media and information

·         Identify the similarities and differences between and among media literacy, information
literacy, and technology literacy

·         Discuss responsible use of media and information

 
The PC has improved the world in just about every area you can think of. Amazing developments
in the communications, collaboration and efficiencies. New kinds of entertainment and social
media. Access to information and ability to give a voice people who would never have been heard.

-Bill Gates

 Literacy:

Ø  The ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using
printed and written materials associated with varying context. Literacy involves a continuum
learning wherein individuals are able to achieve their goals, develop their knowledge and
potential, and participate fully in their community and wider society.

Media:

Ø  The physical objects used to communicate with, or the mass communication through physical
objects such as radio, television, computers, film, etc. It also refers to any physical object used to
communicate messages.

 
 

 Media Literacy

Ø  The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in a variety of forms. It aims to
empower citizens by providing them with the competencies (knowledge and skills) necessary to
engage with traditional media and new technologies.
Information

Ø  A broad term that covers processed data, Knowledge derived from study, experience
instruction, signals or symbols.

 Information Literacy

Ø  The ability to recognize when information is needed, and to locate, evaluate and effectively
communicate information in its various formats

Technology Literacy

Ø  The ability of an individual, either working independently or with others, to responsibly,

appropriately, and effectively use technological tools. Using these tools an individual can access,
manage, integrate, evaluate, create and communicate information.

Media and Information Literacy

Ø The essential skills and competencies that allow individuals to engage with media and other
information providers effectively, as well as develop critical thinking and lifelong learning skills
to socialize and become active citizens.

 MEDIA LITERACY, INFORMATION LITERACY, AND TECHNOLOGY LITERACY

 Media literacy, information literacy, and technology literacy are interrelated as they all play an
important role in the student's learning process. Without information, an individual cannot learn
about something. Media and technology are useful tools in conveying the information
effectively. These two enable an individual to expand his knowledge and enhance his methods
of learning.

Media literacy refers to how an individual can use the different types of media in
communicating information. Meanwhile, information literacy refers to how a person is able to
look for relevant information from various media with the help of technology. Lastly, technology
literacy pertains to how an individual utilizes technology to communicate and send information
through different media platforms.

 
  
 
 
 CREATORS OF
MEDIA AND
INFORMATION

Creators of media and information are some of the people which you might want to work with
when you graduate from college. Below is a list.

1.   Writers and journalists

o   They work in publishing houses, news agencies, or advertising firms. Their primary role is to
translate relevant and meaningful information into printed materials, such as books,
newspapers, and magazines. They generally possess a good command of grammar. Writers and
journalists make sure that the readers will obtain important information about the story or
article they are writing.

 2.    Editors

o  Writers and journalists work hand in hand with editors to ensure that the manuscript or
articles submitted by the former are high in standard and are fit to print. Editors also make sure
that the material to be publisher is free from factual or grammatical errors.

 3.   Directors

o   Also known as filmmakers, directors create movies, shows or programs, and plays that are
seen on theaters, television channels, or theaters, respectively. A director sees to it that the
message of a show is made clear to the audience.

4.    Performers

o   The actors who portray the characters in movies, shows, and plays are called performers in
general. Directors guide the performers so they can deliver their portrayals effectively. Some
performers who are visible on television or movies are considered as celebrities too. A person is
considered a celebrity if he is a well-known public figure and is always seen in the news or other
television programs. At times, advertisers hire known performers to do commercials because
their popularity could attract consumers to buy the product they will endorse. Other performers
are the singers and dancers who express their creativity and inner thoughts through their craft,
which can either be a song or a dance. These performers also collaborate with directors so that
their entire performance will be properly guided and successfully delivered in front of an
audience.
 

5.   Visual artists

o   Paintings and sculptures are some of the masterpieces that visual artists create. Visual artists
express their ideas through their artworks. Some artworks may convey a clear message while
others have abstract symbols to express the deeper thoughts of the artist.

 CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD MEDIA PRACTITIONER

Media practitioners should exhibit good values and observe the proper code of conduct when
carrying out their job. Primarily, people trust media practitioners because they provide
information and deliver powerful messages to the public. Responsible and competent media
practitioner should possess the following characteristic.

1.   Truthfulness

o   Media practitioners should convey a message or information that is accurate, factual, and
truthful. Erroneous or false information can harm the reputation of others or it may cause them
danger.

-      For example, if the weather bureau fails to release a reliable advisory, a lot of people may
not be able to prepare ahead of time tor possible evacuation due to heavy flooding or
immediate harvesting of crops.

-      Let us take another example. If a journalist writes an article claiming that the president is
involved in corruption without presenting sufficient evidence, the act may affect the president's
integrity and he may lose the public’s trust.

2.   Fairness and objectivity

o   The information or message disseminated by media practitioners should be objective and

based on grounded evidence. If the information is biased or opinionated, it will deceive the
public of the truth. As the public gives their complete trust to media practitioners, it is only fair
that the latter only present stories that are real and accurate.
 

3.   Responsibility and Integrity

o   Media practitioners are expected to show professionalism regardless of the situation they are
in. They should not compromise their integrity by showing partiality or partisanship. They should
also possess a sense of responsibility and accountability when acquiring information. Media
practitioners should not compromise their reputation and credibility just for the sake of
popularity or power.

4.   Empathy and sympathy

o   Being in the media does not give practitioners the right to use their job for personal gains.
Media practitioners should be sensitive to the needs of others. They should show their respect
to the privacy of others too.

For example, a journalist should refrain from writing about the private affairs of celebrities
because they have their right to privacy too.

Since media practitioners do press works, many people who encounter misfortune rely on them
for social welfare services such as seeking assistance for medical treatment or finding a missing
person. Media practitioners empathize when they put themselves in the shoes of those who are
in need, and sympathize when they feel the sorrow of those who experience adversities.

5.   Hard working

o   The public depends on the information media practitioners deliver that is why they are
expected to work hard in sourcing accurate information. They should give their best effort for
their work, whether writing an article, making a film, or composing a song. The public regards
media practitioners highly, so they must not compromise the public’s interest.

MEDIA HABITS, LIFESTYLE, AND PREFERENCES

Before the advent of the Internet, people keep themselves abreast with the latest new around
the country or across the globe by reading the newspaper, listening to radio, or watching the
television. Owning a television set back in the 1950s and the 1960s was considered a luxury.

Back then, only a number of TV stations existed. During those times, students visited museums
and libraries to borrow books or gather information for their research.

Print and broadcast media were also limited but this period conceived excellent reads, good
music, wholesome entertainment shows, and moving family dramas. When the Internet boomed
and became in full swing in 2000, it drastically changed people's lifestyle and preference.
Teenagers and young adults diverted to watching movies and entertainment shows online. In
fact, most people nowadays watch movies and live streaming of shows in YouTube, read news
articles through online feeds or novels through Wattpad, or listening to tracks Spotify.

In the late 1990s, purchasing of music or video CDs became popular. Today, people download
or access music from YouTube or Apple Store. Some individuals also became famous because
their photos or videos stood out, and have become viral or widely circulated in the Internet in
such a short time. New terminologies have been coined like the word selfie, which pertains to a
photo taken by oneself then posted in social media. Another is the hashtag (#), which is
attached to a key word or phrase so that people who might be searching for a related topic can
get information from the link of the topic or message sought. Repeated use of a hashtag can
make a topic "hot" or trending in social media.

Some people also try to learn new skills, such as Photoshopping, to create artistic and spotless
photos. Different forms of social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest,
have greatly influenced peoples interests and lifestyle. These days, netizens or those people who
are actively engaged in the web, have become drawn to anything that is trending in social media
sites.

Regardless of the differences with the habits and preferences of people of today from those in
the past, communication remains the main reason why people patronize different forms of
media. There are avid users who acquire the newest gadgets so they can conveniently obtain the
latest news and information, and stay connected with the people who matter to them as well.
Lesson 2: THE EVOLUTION OF TRADITIONAL MEDIA TO NEW MEDIA

Objective:

     At the end of this lesson the students are expected to:

·         Explain how the evolution of media from traditional to new media shaped the values and
norms of people and society

PREHISTORIC AGE
Prehistoric refers to the time before the existence of written or recorded history.

According to archaeologists, the Prehistoric Age occurred some 4.5 million years ago or
approximately 30,000 years ago. This era is divided into two periods:

·         Stone Age and

·         Metal Age.

They are called as such because of the kind of tools that the prehistoric people used during
those times. As the tools were relatively crude, archaeologists believe that a system of writing
had not yet existed during this era.

 For example, the images of some wild animals and men carrying hunting tools make an
impression that most people during the Stone Age used to be hunters. Moreover, cave paintings
that show men on boats or holding jars imply that they also practiced other forms of livelihood
aside from hunting.

As prehistoric men learned how to sharpen their tools and use them for hunting, they also
acquired the knowledge on how to use these materials in carving stones. Eventually, this paved
the way for them to create a system of writing, which marked the start of the historic period.
Prehistoric Art as the Earliest Form of Traditional Media

By using sharpened tools made of stones, prehistoric men also learned how to etch on caves.
These caves served as their big canvas while the sharpened tools became their pen. Prehistoric
men drew on caves what they see around them, such as animals and nature.

 During the Stone Age, prehistoric people also used these crude stone tools to create objects,
which are now considered rock art. Two kinds of rock art during the Stone Age are petroglyphs
and pictographs.

·         Petroglyphs can be carvings or engravings in rocks or caves.

·         Pictographs represent words or phrases through images or symbols. It is used to refer to

sketches or paintings that usually depict nature, giving us a glimpse of the early people’s way of
life.
 
Selling of goods boosted during the Industrial Age. The concept of mass production or
manufacturing of goods in large quantities was introduced, increasing the demand for bigger
and better machines. Special equipment were fabricated to meet the specific needs of different
factories. 

 In a lot of ways, the industrial age has the improved the people’s way of living as new
inventions, such as steamboats and steam locomotives, made transportation faster.

However, some business owners during this era focused only in earning profit so they took
advantage of the poor economic condition of the working class.

Some of the laborers back work under dangerous circumstances, in exchange of very low salary.

When the steam press was invented, the printing of materials like newspapers became much
faster, cheaper, and easier. Before this development, publishers used to receive financial support
from political parties and rich patrons so the latter can be featured in the newspapers. When
printing cost was marked down, publishers started to print articles for the common interest of
the public. The earlier injustices experienced by the laborers were also published in the
newspapers.

Communication during the Industrial Age also became viable because of the invention or the
telegraph.

·         A telegraph is a system used for transmitting messages from a distance along wire.
·         In 1837, William Cooke and Charles Wheatstone patented the first commercial electric
telegraph. By 1840, new railways were built using the Cooke-Wheatstone System and in 1866, a
telegraph cable was successfully laid across the Atlantic.

ELECTRONIC AGE

The word electronic is usually associated with the things that work using electricity. Desktop
computers and television sets are examples of electronic devices. However, what does electronic
exactly mean?

Electronic refers to an object that has electronic components, such as sensors and microchips,
which functions once it is connected to an electrical outlet

The Industrial Age and the Electronic Age are quite similar in the sense that they thrived in the
manufacturing industries in a faster and more efficient way with the help of equipment that are
operated by machines. However, they can also be different because the equipment in the
Electronic Age are more complex as they run on electricity instead of fuel.

The Electronic Age marked the beginning of modernization since electronic equipment are more
functional and reliable.

·         For example, the first train invented during the Industrial Age is a more efficient mode of
transportation than a horse-drawn carriage that can carry only a few passengers and take days
to travel. However, the vehicles that we have today are even faster as their engines are powered
by electricity.

INFORMATION AGE

In Lesson1, information has been defined as the specific data acquired for a specific purpose.
Gaining information is a vital part of people’s lives because it makes them knowledgeable and
enhances their understanding of the world. Due to this, more inventors want people to have an
easier access to information.

We now live in the Information Age, so we can easily gather information just about anywhere
with the use of technology.

Thus, people can visit websites of online newspapers or institutions that provide the particular
information that they need. Nowadays, important details are not only expressed through texts,
but also in the form of images, videos, and music.

New media platforms are also made available online, as well as the installed applications on the
latest gadgets like iPads and tablets. With these, information can now be personally stored,
downloaded, and shared in public.

Furthermore, the Information Age is also labeled as the Computer Age or the New Age because
it gave birth to new media and digital technology. Although most devices still run on electricity
during this time, their multifunctional capabilities make them different from the machines used
in the Electronic Age.

·         For example, a person who would like to communicate with a friend living in another city
can reach him via telephone. The telephone's main function is to make and receive a call.
However, the mobile phones that we are using today can now be used in sending text
messages, making video calls, listening to music, playing games, and even watching movies.

Therefore, the Information Age has upgraded what it can offer to consumers in terms of gadgets
and devices that can make their way of life not only functional and comfortable, but also offer
endless possibilities.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRADITIONAL MEDIA AND NEW MEDIA

In the present time, new media is undeniably very useful, but this does not mean that traditional
media has already become obsolete. Traditional media is still valuable and influential because it
has a wider reach and market. 

·         For example, some people still live in remote areas where there is no electricity. Due to
this, they cannot use the Internet to look for the latest news. Despite of this the become
informed and updated by listening to the radio or reading newspapers

As a matter of fact, some people from the old generation still to prefer the use of traditional
media as they find the old-fashioned newspapers as a trusted source of information written by
veteran journalist. On the other hand, some older people also enjoy the new media by using the
latest gadgets and going to state-of-the-art movie houses.
The choice of media is based on one’s need, interest and lifestyle, as both traditional media and
new media can carry out their purpose of keeping the people informed and helping everyone to
stay connected.

ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF MEDIA IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY

Looking back at our history, there have been instances when people had been restricted to
express their ideas and fight for their rights.

·         For example, our heroes Dr. Jose Rizal, Mar del Pilar, and Graciano Lopez Jaena have to
use pen names in their writings which criticize the colonial Spain. Dr. Jose Rizal used the pen
name Laong Laan and Dimasalang, Marcelo del Pilar used Plaridel, and Graciano Lopez Jaena
wrote under the name Diego Laura.

·         In the United States, on the other hand, novels like Uncle Toms Cabin TOM'S
CABIN written by Harriet Beecher Stowe in 1851, have been banned as it expressed the abolition
of slavery, which majority of the people did not support at that time

Democracy

·         Comes from the Greek word demo (people) and kratos (rule).

·         In a democratic society, the welfare of the public is important and their rights are
protected by the government.

The Philippines 1986 and 2001 People Power revolutions perfectly show the importance of the
role of media in today’s society. Prior to People Power I, local newspapers, such as Manila
Times and its sister-paper Daily Mirror, Manila Chronicles, Philippine Press, and many others,
reported about the pervasive protests of people against the government because of its inability
to respond to issues regarding labor, poverty, and education. Hence, news reporters from TV
and radio stations exposed illegal abductions of citizens who were tortured for criticizing the
government. 

SELECTED THEORIES ON MEDIA AND INFORMATION

1.    Media Richness Theory

-       It is also referred to as Information Richness Theory. Richard L. Draft and Robert H. Lengel
introduced this theory in the 1980s. In this notion, communication serves as a medium that can
reproduce information. Media Richness Theory can be used to assess the richness or
multifunction capabilities of specific means of communication, such as phone calls, video
conferences, and e-mails.
 

-       According to this theory, personal communication methods, like texting and making video
calls, are generally more effective than other forms of media as the desired message is sent
directly to the receiver.

2.    Information Processing Theory.

-       This theory suggests that humans process the information they receive instead of merely
responding to the stimuli. Also, the mind is like a computer that analyzes the information it gets
from its environment.

-       The Information Processing Theory is also associated with the cognitive development
approach in psychology.

1.    Contingency Theory

-       Based on Joan Woodward's work in 1958, the Contingency Theory argued about the
influence of technology and other variables in organizations.

-       Contingency Theory notes that a variable can change the behavior and the structure of an
organization in order to complete a task.

2.    Media Naturalness Theory

-       This theory was proposed by Nereu "Ned" Kock based on the concept of human evolution.
In this theory, Kock suggests that face-to-face communication is the most natural method of
communication.

-       Media Naturalness Theory also proposes that communication is better established and that
the message is more clearly understood if people talk in person. It argues that the farther the
sender is from the receiver, the harder it is to process information and comprehend the
message.

 
3.    Media Synchronization Theory

-       According to this theory, it is better if people wo needs to communicate are all present and
available in real time. In this way, they will be able to note immediate feedback and responses
since they are fully engaged in the conversation.

-       Media Synchronization Theory also emphasizes that communication involves interaction as

it has two processes:

-       Conveyance and convergence. Convey means to make something known to another

person, while converge means to come together to set a common interest, purpose, or goal.

 4.    Channel Expansion Theory

-       Proposed by John Carlson and Robert Zmud in 1999, the Channel Expansion Theory
suggests that an individual chooses a type of media to use for communication based on his
experience in handling that type of media alongside the person he needs to speak with and
what their topic is all about.

Lesson 3: INFORMATION LITERACY AND TYPES OF MEDIA

What comes to your mind when you hear the term print media?

You would probably imagine them as any material written or printed on paper. But what exactly
are print media?

Print Media

§  Refers to paper publications such as books, newspapers, magazine newsletters, and other
materials that are physically printed on paper. At present, some of print media have digital
versions and are available for download through applications or websites.

Different kinds of media that we use every day:

1.   Book

·         It is a reading material that can either be fictional or non-fictional. In the past, texts are
written on parchment paper using a quill, then the pages are sewn together to form a book.

·         Today, texts are encoded and laid out using a computer, then sent to the printing press
for mass production.

Students use books in school as reference materials, such as almanac, dictionary, and atlas,
which are commonly found in the library.

      Almanac contains detailed information about topics of special interests like the countries
around the world. It is published every year. It also highlights statistical, tabular, and general
facts and figures.

      Dictionary is a reference material used to find the word's definition, etymology,

pronunciation, forms, and its syntactical and idiomatic uses, Words in the dictionary are
arranged alphabetically. Merriam-Webster, Random House, and Oxford Dictionary are some
famous examples of dictionaries.

      Thesaurus. The word entries in a thesaurus are also arranged alphabetically, each
containing the meaning based on its synonyms and antonyms. Similar to the dictionary.

      Atlas is a collection of maps showing geographic features, political boundaries, including

the climatic, social, and economical statistics of a specific area. It also contains informative
tables, charts, or plates. The word atlas is derived from Greek mythology. Atlas is a Titan who
revolted against the gods. As punishment, Atlas has to carry the world on his shoulders.

2.Newspaper

·         Printed on a daily or weekly basis, a newspaper contains a wide range of articles which
appear on the different sections, such as news, business, lifestyle, sports, and entertainment
sections.

·         It also has an editorial page where editors of the newspaper share their views and
opinions on relevant and current issues. Most newspapers also have a comic page.

·         Publishers allow advertisers to post classified ads, job openings, and

other announcements to help finance their publication needs.
·         A newspaper has two types: the broadsheet and the tabloid.

o   The target readers of a broadsheet are usually the professionals who prefer reading formal
news and in-depth analysis of issues.

o   On the other hand, tabloid is pegged for those who prefer reading condensed news and
entertainment articles that uses informal language.

3.Magazine

·         A magazine is also a periodical publication released weekly, monthly, or quarterly. It

contains articles on various topics depending on the subject or area the magazine covers.

·          For example, an entertainment magazine features articles about celebrities while a health
magazine contains tips on how to live a healthy lifestyle.

·         A magazine looks more attractive than a newspaper in terms of its cover, design, layout
and quality of paper used.

4. Journal

·         Similar to a newspaper, a journal contains informative articles and provides to accurate

reports on specific topics, such as medicine.

·         It can also be compared to a magazine as it targets a particular type of audience.

·         For example, a medical journal is intended for medicine students or medical practitioners.

5.Newsletter

·         Organizations or companies release newsletters for special purposes any newsletter is

published either weekly or monthly.

·         It can be a bulletin where a comp heir or an organization informs its readers about the
updates and happenings in institution or community.

·         A newsletter can also contain special features on pics which might be of interest or value
to its targeted readers.

6.Gazette.
·         A gazette pertains to the official publication of a government organization or an
institution, which is intended for public notices or listing of appointments.

7.Pamphlet.

·         A pamphlet can be a small booklet, a leaflet, or a primer.

·         It contains a detailed, yet easy to understand, text with images. It is released by an
organization or company to inform the public regarding special topics or issues.

8.Brochure.

·         It is a small book or magazine that contains pictures and information about the products
or services offered by a company.

9. Leaflet and flyer.

·         A leaflet and a flyer refer to a printed sheet of paper which contains information about a

product for advertising purposes.

·         A leaflet is a small flyer. Leaflets and flyers are distributed and given free to targeted
customers to promote a product.

BROADCAST MEDIA

. 1. Radio.

·         The first known radio is attributed to the Italian inventor, Guglielmo Marconi. when he
made the wireless telegraph in 1895.

Using radio waves, he was able to transmit Morse code using  the instrument he made.
·         With the use of a small device called the transistor, the flow of electricity in and other
types of broadcast media can be controlled.

 
 

·         Radio announcers or DJs deliver the news or play music through airwaves. Data is
transmitted by the radio through electric currents or frequencies between about 3000 hertz to
300 gigahertz.

·         A radio can be set in an AM or FM mode. AM stands for amplitude modulation, while FM

stands for frequency modulation. In an AM mode, the amplitude of the radio signal encodes
information, while the FM mode uses a change in frequency to encode information.

2.Television.

·         The television is one of the most visible appliances at home.

·         It is equipped with an electronic system capable of sending images and sounds by a wire
or through space.

·         A television can receive and project transient images of fixed or moving objects with
sound. Through its complex electronic system connected by wires, the television is able to
transmit data through the apparatus, which is capable of converting light and sound into
electrical waves, and reconverts them into visible light rays and audible sound back to the
viewers through the TV screen and speaker.

Vladimir Kosma Zworykin, a Russian-born American inventor, and Philo Taylor Farnsworth
from Utah are credited as the inventors of modern television.

Zworykin is acknowledged as the Father of Modern Television as he owns the patent rights, but
it was Farnsworth who is credited for the successful demonstration of the transmission of
television signals.

3. Film

·         A film is similar to a television show as it offers a variety of themes can be about drama,
comedy, horror, action, an animation, or a documentary. Films, also called movies or motion
pictures, are shown on theaters.
·        

They are a series or still captured on film and projected screen.

·         The first films were the silent movies in black and white, as color and sound technology
back then were not yet introduced. Some equipment used in making film are video cameras and
lighting system.

TV and Movie Classification Ratings

With cable channels providing a wide range of shows, most children nowadays prefer to watch
the television during their leisure time instead of playing outdoors. However, not all shows are
suitable for children. In the Philippines, the Movie and TV Ratings Classification Board (MTRCB)
released a classification rating for the information of parents.

·         G - rating means that the show is for general patronage.

·        PG - rating means that the show requires parental guidance.

·        SPG - rating means that strict parental guidance is required as the show may have themes
that involve violence, horror, and inappropriate language that are not suitable for young
audiences.

·        R- rating means a show is restricted for a particular age.

NEW MEDIA (INTERNET)

Features in the Internet

1.   Web page.

The Internet is also called the worldwide communication network of computers. The web is the
most widely used service on the Internet. It consists of many web pages joined by hyperlinks.
These web pages contain information about a person or an organization, and are made
available online by any individual, institution, and organization. Some web pages require the
user to sign up first before gaining access to the page.

2.   Hypertext.

The information arranged in a computer database can easily be accessed through a hypertext,
which allows a user to get information and go from one document to another by clicking on
highlighted words or pictures.
 51
Christine Marie Magpile - Media and Information Literacy - The Inteligente Publishing, Inc.-2016-pp.50, 
 
Hypertext is a list of information that can be displayed and accessed directly by users.
 

3.   Instant messaging.

Through instant messaging (IM), a user can interact with another user through online chat in real
time. Facebook Messenger and Google Hangouts have features that are capable of instant
messaging. An IM can transmit in real time a text, image, emoji, document, and video file,
among others.

4.    E-mail.

Through an e-mail or electronic message, a user can send information to other people in any
part of the world. The information can be encoded on the message area or attached as a
document. Applications like Google Drive and Dropbox are designed to allow users to link and
synchronize e-mail attachments that have big files, such as images and videos.

5.   Distance education

 In the past, students who live in remote places rarely had the chance to receive proper
education as there were no schools in their area. With distance education, students can now
study online in any part of the world. The student will receive materials from the facilitator or
instructor through e-mail or from a portal where the student needs to sign up an account. Once
the personal account is activated, lessons in the virtual classroom can now be accessed.

Coursera.org is a website that provides free online education in partnership with universities and
organization around the world.

Some educational institutions, like the University of the Philippines, have taken the initiative to
provide distance education through their open university. ESL (English as a Second Language)
schools who teach English to foreigners online through Skype is considered a form of distance
too.

 
 

6.    E-book.

 An e-book refers to a digital or electronic version of a printed book, which can be accessed with
the use of a computer or a gadget. Kindle is a good example of a hand-held device whose
feature allows a user to read books and connect to the Internet

1.    Online shopping

In the past, people need to go to the supermarket or department Store to buy something. But
with the use of the Internet, consumers can now shop online. Buying online allows the
consumers to shop at their convenience because they can purchase while at home and charge
the items to their credit cards. The purchased products are then delivered directly to the buyer's
doorstep through shipment.

Online shopping provides consumers more choices of products with a new or unique concept.
This is beneficial for budding entrepreneurs as they can advertise their products easily and reach
out to more consumers, even to those who live overseas. Internationally, eBay and Amazon.com
are popular websites for online shopping. In the Philippines, lazada.com.ph and sulit.ph are
some examples of popular online shopping sites.

Shopping online may be convenient, but consumers and entrepreneurs alike should be careful
when transacting business online to ensure that they are dealing with legitimate persons or
entities.

2.    Media convergence

It interconnects information with communication technologies, computer networks, and media

content. To maximize the features of the Internet, one needs to have a stable and reliable
Internet connection. In the past, Internet connection is established by means of a dial-up where
a modem is connected to a phone line. Nowadays, the Internet is much faster as. there are
varied modes of connection like broadband, cable, and wireless connection (Wi-Fi).

The Influence of Media in the World Wide Web

Have you tried making a home video and uploading it in YouTube? Do you ever wonder how a
video or a message becomes viral or trending?

When we say that something has gone viral or trending in the Internet, it means that a video or
message has massively and quickly gained high popularity. A viral video, for example, should
have been viewed, liked, and shared countless times.

Apart from videos, a meme can also go viral or trending. A meme can be a funny image, video,
or text that has been shared, copied, and tweaked by Internet users and has spread rapidly on
their social media account. Information becomes trending once it has spread all over the
Internet and becomes phenomenal among netizens.

 Lesson 4: MEDIA AND INFORMATION SOURCES

SOURCES OF INFORMATION FOR HISTORY AND SCIENCE

Indigenous Sources

Through indigenous sources of information, we can learn about our rich heritage. A material
is indigenous when it exists naturally in a particular region or environment. When we refer to
someone as indigenous, it connotes that the person belongs to an ethnic tribe who has
preserved and still practice the culture and tradition of their ancestors.

Oral Tradition

Our ancestors passed down their tradition to the next generation in the form of storytelling. In
this way, our ancestors were able to narrate their beliefs, history, culture, and tradition.
Oral tradition is a form of narration wherein the elders recount their culture to their children
and grandchildren through legends, folktales, epics, mythologies, and folk songs. When the time
comes that these children become the elders of their community, it will be their turn to retell
these stories to the young ones. In oral tradition, the elders serve as the speaker while the
younger people are the listeners. Oral tradition becomes an avenue of communal experience as
the elders share their stories and recall their memorable experiences with their parents and
grandparents as well.

Although oral tradition can give us a glimpse of our rich heritage, it cannot be considered as a
reliable source of information as these stories have been told and retold many times, and
passed down from different sources and delivered from one generation to another. The original
story could have been altered over time. Therefore, these stories are considered fiction.

The following are some examples of oral tradition that had been told by our ancestors, and were
handed down from one generation to another.

1.   Legend

·         It is a fiction which tells about the origin of something.

-      For example, the Philippine legend about the pineapple tells that there was once a girl
named Pinang, who always complained that she could not find the things her mother is asking
her to look for. Already old and sickly, Pinang's mother uttered in exasperation for her daughter
to have many eyes. That night, Pinangs mother could not find her daughter. What she found
instead on their doorstep was a fruit with skin resembling many eyes.

2.   Folktale

·         Similar to a legend, a folktale is a narration about the characteristics of the time and place
in which the story is told. The elders in the village tell these stories to their children who hand
them down to the next generation to preserve the tales of their hometown.

-      For example, the Story of Bernardo Carpio is a folktale from Montalban, Rizal. It is about a
giant who saved the town of Montalban from the earthquake's wrath by putting himself in
between the two colliding mountains.

3.   Epic
·         An epic tells a heroic adventure of a main character that sometimes possesses
extraordinary powers Like the folktale, an epic is a narration that has become popular in a
particular place.

-      For example, Ramayana is a Hindu epic about the adventurous journey of Rama, a deeply
influential character in India who is revered for his unending compassion and courage.

4.    Mythology

·         This is a story similar with a legend and folktale but it focuses more on creation. Stories of
mythology also tell how the lives of mortals or humans are influenced by the gods. The Greeks
and the Romans are famous for their mythologies, where Zeus (Greek) or Jupiter (Roman), is
considered as the most powerful god with his thunderbolt weapon.

Primary Sources

Primary sources are original materials such as artifacts, documents, recordings, and other
sources of information that were produced during a particular period in history.

Relics or artifacts such as pottery, ornaments, accessories, and other objects found on historical
burial sites are considered primary sources of information as these are concrete evidences of the
things used by people in the past.

The picture shows the relic of the Laguna copperplate. This copperplate, which dates back to
900 A.D., shows that early Filipinos must have interacted with our Asian neighbors, as its
inscription is similar with Hindu and Javanese script. The Laguna copperplate also shows that
laws already existed back then since the message on the copperplate was about the settlement.

 Secondary Sources

          Secondary sources of information are documents made after an event has taken place.
Secondary Sources give second-hand accounts about a particular person, or information. Unlike
the primary sources of information, which are first- hand accounts, secondary sources provide
another angle and analysis from the perspective of another person. Some history books are
regarded as secondary sources of information.

If you need to do an extensive research, it would be best to go to the library so you can choose
from a wide range of books, magazines, and other reference materials. One has to apply for a
library card before he can borrow a book. A fine has to be paid in case a book is not returned on
time.

One of the renowned libraries is The Royal Library of Alexandria, which is the oldest library in the
world and believed to be approximately built in 300 BC located in Alexandria, Egypt.
Unfortunately, The Royal Library of Alexandria no longer exist as Julius Caesar accidentally
burned it down during the Alexandrian War. During that time, the Royal Library of Alexandria
was the center of learning.

The Bibliorthèque  nationale de France (National Library of France) built in 1368 is considered
the oldest public library in the world which still exist today. Apart from its vast collection, the
National Library of France has a stunning architectural design. This library is open to the public.

 On August 12, 1887, a royal order from the Spanish government established the Biblioteca
Nacional de Filipinas, which was later called as the National Library of the Philippine Islands. To
date, it is known as the National Library of the Philippines.

On August 12, 1887, a royal order from the Spanish government established the Biblioteca
Nacional de Filipinas, which was later called as the National Library of the Philippine Islands. To
date, it is known as the National Library of the Philippines.

The National Library is the country's official national library. It is located in Ermita, Manila, near
Rizal Park and fronting T. M. Kalaw Avenue. You can gain access to other related government
institutions, such as the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), through the
National Library. The National Library is under the jurisdiction of the National Commission for
Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Some of the most famous collection of original materials in the National Library includes Dr.
Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, and Mi último adiós

If you want to learn about our past and understand it better, visit a museum to find historical
artifacts and documents on public display. The museum is also considered an institution in
charge with the procurement, care, study, and display of objects of lasting interest or value. A
researcher can ask the curator to help him find the material he needs.
 The Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre) in France is one of the most visited museums in the
world. Apart from the Mona Lisa painting and the Venus de Milo sculpture, it also has Egyptian
antiquities in its collection. The Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre) in France The Smithson
Institution is in charge with the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) located in Washington,
D. C. This museum holds the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world.
Apart from being a museum, it is also a hub for research about the history and science of
aviation, space flight, planetary science terrestrial geology, and geophysics.
 

The Ayala Museum located in Makati City is famous for its exhibit of 60 handcrafted dioramas,
which highlights the important events in Philippine history. This museum also has a collection of
archeological facts, which consists of notable precolonial treasures.

The Mind Museum is famous for its 250 interactive exhibits about science. It is divided into five
themes: Atom, Earth, Lite, Universe, and Technology. This museum is located in Taguig City.

However, apart from visiting libraries and museums, there are also other sources of information
such as interviews, archives, and blogs.

An interview can be a substantial source of information if the interviewee is an expert in his field
of study. Before conducting the interview, the researcher should prepare relevant questions so
the interviewee can give sufficient answers.

 If you want to do a thorough research about history, you can check out the archives to find
public records or historical materials. These documents are well kept and preserved that the
management of the archives requests researchers to handle the documents with care.

A blog is similar to an editorial column where the editor expresses his opinion about certain
issues. A blogger who owns or maintains a blog, shares his insights, and reviews anything that
interests him. Although a blog entry can appear like a personal journal of the blogger, it still
contains interesting and useful information especially if the blog discusses lifestyle issues or
latest trends. Internet users or netizens who are interested in creating a free website or blog can
check out WordPress.com.

A guest can check blogs, post comments, and can get feedback from other visitors of the blog
and even from the blog's owner as well. However, not all information posted on blogs are
accurate as some of them are based on the blogger's random personal experience.

Researching for a report or a thesis is not an easy task. But if you know what specific form of
media to use and where to get this information, you will be able to finish your research and
write a substantial paper. Earlier, you have learned how to access and locate the information you
need using different types of media.
Other sources of information, and their advantages and limitations for some types of media. See
table below.

Advantages and Limitations of Some Forms of Media

Media Advantages Limitations

  ·         Limitations information is
comprehensive but easy to read.
·         It is still accessible even if
  there is no electricity.
  ·         A new material is always
available
 
·         It is readily available in the
Print Media library.
·         Information can easily
become outdated
·         Since the material is
made of paper, it can easily get
wet or burned.
·         Researching and reading
can be time consuming.

·         It is affordable and easy to

carry.
Broadcast media ·         Broadcast media is very ·         Information can be
versatile as it offers audio and accessed if one has a television
visual presentations, which can be or a radio.
both informative and entertaining.
·         It cannot be accessed
·         Information can be without electricity.
interactive as it can be viewed and
heard. ·         The audience does not
have control over the available
·          Some forms of broadcast show or format.
media give the audience airtime to
express their opinions.
New Media (Internet) ·         Information can be retrieved ·         The user should be
easily, are really available, and can skilled in information
be access freely. technology

·         It is always updated. ·         The user needs to have a

computer with Internet access.
·         The Internet allows global
connectivity and interaction. ·         Some information may
be inaccurate.
E-mail Correspondence ·         E-mail allows a researcher to ·         The researcher needs to
 communicate with the resource
person, local or abroad.
·         It also allows sharing of
information and files through
attachment.
verify if the e-mail address
belongs to the resource
person.
·         Getting of information
could be delayed if the
resource person does not
check his e-mail regularly.
·         E-mail can end up in the
SPAM folders or accidentally
deleted.