Journalism 101: News Media Literacy

News media literacy is introduced as one among many literacies that explores changing aspects of society and technology. It is argued that it should be an essential part of any middle and high school curriculum being such a pervasive part of twenty first century life.

Participants will be led through the process of creating a newscast using elements of text, still images, audio and video.

The production of a single video newscast draws on a range of skills not least of all planning and preparation. The workshop will cover the process in which scripts are written, interview questions are drafted and shots planned. How groups are organised and guided is also discussed. Technically, skills in still photography, audio recording and videography will be honed. Because of timely planning, postproduction is not nearly as much a chore as it is exciting for the creative opportunities it provides to students through video editing, sound editing, adding effects and titling. Outputting to a suitable format will also be elaborated upon.

Not to overwhelm participants, the skill set is presented as a continuum into which educators can locate themselves according to where they feel most comfortable in terms of their own skill level and learning needs of their students.

By the end of the workshop, participants will learn what makes up a good newscast and better plan to construct one in their classroom. Participants will also better understand the place of news media as part of the mass media in twenty first century life.

Middle school, high school, English, Humanities, teachers interested in media literacy

 Workshop materials:

 Supplied

Presenter:

Davidson Lloyd

Overseas Family School

Teacher

davidson_lloyd@ofs.edu.sg

Davidson's career in education has focused on learner-centred pedagogies coupled with the effective use of learning technologies and their potential to engage students and equip them with higher order transferable skills. He has worked in Australian and overseas public and Catholic, independent and systemic, primary and secondary schools. His current position is Humanities teacher in the Middle School at the Overseas Family School, Singapore.

Internet access, LCD projector and speakers. If possible, computers for participants.