Week Six: Activity #1

This lesson on media literacy was found on Web English Teacher and is very versatile, it could be utilized in grades 5-adult. It provides a six minute youtube video, a quiz, and critical thinking questions on the ways that media constructs its messages. I took this lesson one step forward by creating my own picture advertisement that could appeal to the majority of the population. This is something that I would ask my class to do following the critical thinking questions. This lesson supports the development of 21st century learning skills because it encourages students to think creatively and critically using a wide range of techniques. It encourages students to communicate effectively and demonstrate originality. In addition, the lesson assists students in understanding media literacy.

After viewing the video and taking the quiz, I answered the following critical thinking questions:

What are ways you have noticed different types of media shaping the way you think about the world? Do you think this is positive or negative?
This video definitely made me more aware of how the media makes me think differently. I thought that I was immune to this. When the narrarator discussed the various slogans of Apple, Nike, and Coke, I realized that advertisements and the media have made me think about phrases in a certain way...very interesting. I think that it is negative that our thinking has become influenced by big corporations.

Why do companies invest billions of dollars in advertising? Do you think it makes a big difference?
Companies invest billions of dollars in advertising because it is the best way to reach the public who ulimately become their customers. I think that it makes a big difference. As the video stated, word of mouth is the best way to get people to buy your product!

What's your favorite brand? Can you attribute your fondness to the advertising about the brand? I really do not have a favorite brand, but I admit that car advertisements attribute to my fondness about certain brands of automobiles...it's usually the music that gets me on those!

This is the advertisement that I created: