TM
Two Excellent Sources for a Definition of Media Literacy:
http://www.medialit.org/
The Center for Media Literacy (CML) defines Media Literacy as: "…a 21st century approach to education. It provides a framework to access, analyze, evaluate, create and participate with messages in a variety of forms — from print to video to the Internet. Media literacy builds an understanding of the role of media in society as well as essential skills of inquiry and self-expression necessary for citizens of a democracy."
http://namle.net/
The National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE) provides these 6 Core Principles for media literacy education. Media literacy education…
1. Requires active inquiry and critical thinking about the messages we receive and create. 2. Expands the concept of literacy to include all forms of media. 3. Builds and reinforces skills for learners of all ages…. that necessitate integrated, interactive, and repeated practice.
4. Develops informed, reflective and engaged participants essential for a democratic society. 5. Recognizes that media are a part of culture and function as agents of socialization. 6. Affirms that people use their individual skills, beliefs, and experiences to construct their own meanings from media messages.