Good day MILnavigators!

Welcome to the MIL Navigator tour! I am Venus, your tour guide. Today, we embark on a
journey through the digital landscape, where each of you will become a MILnavigators.
and at the end of the discussion you will be equipped with the power of MILfluence.
having the power to navigate through the vast sea of information online, being able to
spot fake news from a mile away, and feeling confident in your ability to make informed
decisions about what you consume and share.

So as your tour guide, I'll lead you through various pieces of information where you'll
unlock your MILfluence powers and navigate the seas of media with confidence and skill.

Are you ready to unlock your MILfluence power?

So, let's embark on this journey of discovery, let's ask questions, share ideas, and
challenge each other to think critically about the media we consume. Together, we can
become the change-makers, the truth-seekers, and the champions of Media and
Information literacy!

MEDIA INFORMATION LITERACY

Media Information Literacy (MIL) is an essential skill set that empowers individuals to critically
evaluate, analyze, and create media content in various forms, including traditional media such
as newspapers, television, and radio, as well as digital media like websites, social media
platforms, and podcasts.

Explanation: Media Information Literacy (MIL) is like having a superpower that helps you
understand and work with all kinds of media. It teaches you to look at the media carefully, think
about it, and even make your own. Whether it's old-school stuff like newspapers and TV or new
stuff like websites and social media, MIL helps you figure out what it's saying, think critically
about it, and create your own content.

MIL refers to the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media content in a variety of
formats. It encompasses skills related to understanding the role of media in society, recognizing
biases and misinformation, and effectively communicating ideas through media channels.

Aspects of Media Information Literacy (MIL)

Access: The ability to find and retrieve media content from various sources.

Explanation: Access is like having a key to unlock the door to information. With access, you can
open up newspapers, websites, TV shows, and more to find what you're looking for. It's about
knowing where to look and how to get to the information you need.
As a pre-service teacher you were asked to discuss endangered species. You need to find
information from different sources like books, websites, and documentaries. Access is like
having the skills to use the library, search engines, and online databases to find all the
information you need for your project. It's about knowing where to look and how to find the right
sources.

Analyze: Critical examination of media content to understand its purpose, message, and
potential biases.

Explanation: Analyzing is like being a detective. When you see or read something in the media,
you ask questions like: Why was this made? What is it trying to tell me? Are there any tricks or
hidden messages? It's all about digging deeper to really understand what's going on.

You've found a website with information about endangered animals, but before you use it for
your discussion, you need to analyze it. Analyzing is like being a detective. You ask questions
like: Who created this website? Is it trying to inform me about endangered species, or is it trying
to sell something? Are there any facts or opinions presented? By analyzing the website, you can
decide if it's reliable and if the information is trustworthy.

Evaluate: Assessing the credibility and reliability of media sources and information.

Explanation: Evaluating is like being a judge. When you come across information, you decide if
it's trustworthy or not. You look at where it came from, who said it. It's about deciding if you can
believe what you're seeing or hearing

After analyzing the website, you need to evaluate its credibility. Evaluating is like being a judge.
You look at the author's credentials, check if there are references to other reputable sources,
and see if the information matches what you've learned from other sources. By evaluating the
website, you can decide if it's a reliable source to use in your discussion or if you need to find
more information elsewhere.

Create: Producing media content ethically and effectively, considering audience,

purpose, and impact.

Explanation: Creating is like being an artist. With media, you can paint pictures with words,
videos, or images. But just like with any art, you have to think about who will see it, why you're
making it, and what effect it will have. Creating media is about making something that's true,
fair, and meaningful.

Now that you've gathered reliable information, it's time to create your project. Creating is like
being an artist. You think about who will see your project (your classmates and teacher), why
you're making it (to inform them about endangered species), and what impact it will have
(raising awareness about conservation efforts). By creating a project that's well-researched and
presented clearly, you can effectively communicate your message to others.
Engage: Actively participating in media discourse, sharing insights, and contributing to
meaningful conversations.

Explanation: Engaging is like joining a conversation. When you see or hear something in the
media, you don't just sit back and listen. You jump in, share your thoughts, and ask questions.
It's about being part of the discussion and making your voice heard.

During your presentation on endangered species, your classmates ask questions and share
their own experiences. Engaging is like joining a conversation. Instead of just presenting your
project and sitting down, you actively participate in the discussion. You share insights, answer
questions, and ask your classmates for their opinions. By engaging in the conversation, you can
deepen your understanding of the topic and learn from others.

Ethics: Understanding and adhering to ethical principles in media consumption and

creation, such as accuracy, fairness, and transparency.

Explanation: Ethics is like following the rules. In the world of media, there are guidelines to
make sure everything is fair and honest. You have to be accurate with your facts, treat everyone
fairly, and be open about where your information comes from. It's about being a good,
responsible media user and creator.

Throughout the project, you've been careful to cite your sources, give credit to the authors, and
present information accurately. Ethics is like following the rules. You make sure your project is
honest and transparent by acknowledging where you found your information and making sure
it's presented accurately. By following ethical principles in your project, you show respect for
others' work and contribute to a culture of honesty and integrity in your classroom.

Dimensions of Media Information Literacy

Media Information Literacy (MIL) encompasses various dimensions that together form a
comprehensive framework for understanding and navigating the media landscape.

Information Literacy

This dimension focuses on the ability to find, evaluate, and effectively use information. It
involves understanding how to access information from various sources, critically evaluating its
reliability and relevance, and ethically using and citing it.

about knowing how to find good information, like when you're doing research for a
school project. It's also about figuring out if the information you find is trustworthy and
helpful.
Dimension: This is about knowing how to find reliable information, judge its quality, and use it
effectively.

Example in a Classroom Setup: Imagine a student is working on a research project about

climate change. They're learning how to use library resources, search engines, and databases
to find articles and data. They're also learning to evaluate the credibility of sources by checking
if they're written by experts, published by reputable organizations, and backed up with evidence.

Media Literacy

Media literacy involves the ability to analyze and critically evaluate media messages, including
those conveyed through traditional media such as newspapers, television, and radio, as well as
digital media platforms. It emphasizes understanding how media shape perceptions, influence
attitudes and behaviors, and recognizing bias or propaganda in media content.

is like having a pair of glasses that help you see things clearly when you watch TV, read
the news, or scroll through social media. It helps you understand if what you're seeing or
hearing is true, biased, or trying to persuade you in some way.

Dimension: Media literacy helps students understand and critically analyze media messages
from various sources, including TV, social media, and news outlets.

Example in a Classroom Setup: In a media literacy lesson, students might watch a news clip
about a current event. The teacher guides them through questions like: Who created this news
segment? What information is included, and what's left out? Are there any biases or opinions
presented? This helps students develop a critical eye for understanding how media influences
our perceptions

ICT/Digital Literacy

This dimension pertains to the skills and competencies required to effectively navigate and
utilize digital technologies, including computers, the internet, social media, and other digital
tools. It involves understanding how to use digital technologies for communication,
collaboration, information sharing, and problem-solving, while also being aware of issues related
to privacy, security, and digital citizenship.

is all about knowing your way around technology, like computers, smartphones, and the
internet. It's like having the skills to use these tools effectively and safely, like knowing
how to send an email or protect your personal information online.

Dimension: ICT/digital literacy focuses on using digital tools and technology effectively and
responsibly.
Example in a Classroom Setup: Students are learning how to create a presentation using
software like PowerPoint or Google Slides. They're taught not only how to add text and images
but also how to cite their sources properly, choose appropriate design elements, and present
their work confidently. They're also learning about digital etiquette, such as how to communicate
respectfully online and protect their privacy.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Media Information Literacy

Advantages

Empowers Individuals MIL equips people with the skills to navigate the complex media
landscape, enabling them to make informed decisions and participate actively in civic life.

Explanation: Learning Media Information Literacy (MIL) skills helps people feel confident and
capable of understanding and using media wisely. It gives them the tools to make smart choices
and get involved in important issues in their communities.

Combats Misinformation By teaching critical thinking and fact-checking skills, MIL helps
individuals discern credible sources from misinformation and disinformation.

Explanation: MIL teaches people how to spot fake news and lies in media. By knowing how to
check facts and think critically, they can stop false information from spreading and make sure
they're getting the truth.

Fosters Creativity MIL encourages media creation, allowing individuals to express themselves
and share their perspectives with a broader audience.

Explanation: MIL encourages people to be creative and express themselves through media.
Whether it's making videos, writing blogs, or sharing artwork online, MIL helps them share their
ideas and stories with others in new and exciting ways

Promotes digital citizenship MIL cultivates responsible digital behavior, such as respectful
communication, privacy protection, and online safety.

Explanation: MIL teaches people how to be responsible and respectful when using technology.
They learn about things like privacy, cyberbullying, and being kind to others online, so they can
make the internet a safer and friendlier place for everyone.

Disadvantages

Time-Consuming Developing MIL skills requires time and effort, which may be challenging for
individuals with busy schedules or limited access to educational resources.
Learning MIL skills takes time and effort, which can be hard for people who are busy with work,
school, or other responsibilities. It's like learning a new language – it takes practice and
patience.

Resistance to Change Some people may be resistant to questioning their media consumption
habits or challenging their beliefs, making it difficult to adopt MIL practices

Some people might not want to change their habits or question what they see in the media.
They might prefer to believe what they already know, even if it's not true, which can make it
hard to teach them MIL skills.

Digital Divide Socioeconomic factors can contribute to disparities in access to media literacy
education and technology, widening the gap between those who possess MIL skills and those
who do not.

Not everyone has the same access to technology or education about media. Some people
might not have internet access or be able to afford devices like computers or smartphones,
which can make it harder for them to learn MIL skills.

Over-reliance on Technology While technology facilitates access to vast amounts of

information, over-reliance on digital tools can undermine critical thinking and independent
analysis skills.

While technology can be helpful, relying too much on it can make people lazy thinkers. If they
always trust what computers or algorithms tell them without thinking for themselves, they might
miss out on important information or get fooled by fake news.

Media Information Literacy is crucial in the digital age, offering numerous benefits in fostering
informed citizenship, combating misinformation, and promoting responsible media consumption
and production. However, addressing its challenges requires concerted efforts from educators,
policymakers, and society as a whole to ensure equitable access to MIL education and
resources.

Explanation:
In simple terms, Media Information Literacy (MIL) is super important nowadays because it helps
us be smart about media stuff. It's like having a superpower that lets us understand and use
media wisely. MIL helps us know what's true and what's not, so we can make good decisions
and be active members of our communities.

But, learning MIL skills isn't always easy. It takes teamwork from teachers, leaders, and
everyone else to make sure everyone has the chance to learn about media. We need to make
sure everyone, no matter where they're from or how much money they have, can get the
education and tools they need to be media-savvy. That way, we can all enjoy the benefits of MIL
and make the digital world a better place for everyone.
As we conclude our MIL Navigator tour, I am proud to see each of you embracing your
MILfluence powers with courage and determination. Remember, as MIL Navigators, you
have the ability to navigate the digital seas with confidence, integrity, and wisdom.
Continue to unlock your MILfluence powers and empower others to do the same. Safe
travels on your journey, MIL Navigators!

Thank you for joining me on this adventure. Until we meet again, may your MILfluence
guide you on your path. Farewell!