The Center for Media and Information Literacy was established in 2012 at the Klein College of Media and Communication, Temple University as a hub for research, outreach, education, and professional development on issues involving media literacy and information literacy locally, nationally, and internationally.
Overview
“According to the National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE), media literacy is the ability to “access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act” using all forms of communication.” The Association of College & Research Libraries defines information literacy as a “set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning”.
The combined term “media and information literacy” was developed by Alton Grizzle at UNESCO to signify the interrelated nature of these two terms and how they work together to influence audiences and individuals.
Our work is strategically aligned around three areas:
Scholarship
Develop projects and partnerships that examine the impact of media and technology, with a focus on media literacy education and a focus on children’s media content.
MEDIA INDUSTRY
Encourage the integration of media literacy and information literacy principles in content developed for television, online, gaming, and other media.
Community service
Provide community outreach, public programs, and media technology, with a focus on media literacy education and a focus on children’s media content educational services targeted to the needs of youth and local school and after-school educators.
MISSION
The Center for Media and Information Literacy provides tools for educators and the media industry to advance critical analysis, use and creation of quality media content.
Vision
The Center for Media and Information Literacy will be a recognized leader in providing thoughtful scholarship, professional development for educators, and guidance to the media industry in media and information literacy locally, nationally and internationally.
Highlights of UNESCO Appointment
Appointment: Global Chair in Media Literacy
The CMIL represents the university as an appointed “global chair” in media and information literacy (MIL) in UNESCO’s UNITWIN global university collaborative program. This designation connects the CMIL to a small group of Universities worldwide collaborating on global media and information literacy initiatives. Responsibilities include participating in collaborative projects, attending the annual meeting, and advising on global media literacy issues.
Several activities have already been launched by UNESCO to solidify the notion of MIL, as listed below:
- The production of the Media and Information Literacy Curriculum for Teachers.
- The articulation of a Global Framework on MIL Indicators.
- The setting up of the MIL and Intercultural Dialogue University Network.
- The establishment of an International Clearinghouse on MIL in cooperation with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.
- The delivery on International Online Courses on MIL and Intercultural Dialogue.
- The preparation of a Global Framework of MIL Indicators.
- The provision of Guidelines for Broadcasters on Promoting User-Generated Content and MIL.
- The development of Guidelines for Preparing National MIL Policies and Strategies (This resource was launched during the Abuja conference).
CMIL is also a member of the Global Alliance for Partnerships on Media & Information Literacy (GAPMIL). GAPMIL was launched during the conference in Nigeria to give greater impetus to fostering media and information literate citizenries in the governance and development agenda.
Klein College of Media and Communication
Temple University
Annenberg Hall, 1A
2020 N. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Phone: 215-204-3255
Sherri Hope Culver – Director
Email: shculver@temple.edu
Watch Our Show
Media Inside Out is a television talk show exploring media literacy topics airing every Wednesday at 12:30 and 8:30PM on Temple University TV (TUTV).
Each episode digs deep into a specific media theme or media property and is produced and hosted by Sherri Hope Culver.