The Beginning:
To investigate media through a critical lens and to examine its credibility as a vehicle for broadcasting news and information to the public, one can first looked at the history of media. It is important to research about its speed, progress and the development of media before one uses it in contemporary society. This website will also examined the implications media has in the modern and digital era, and the effects media has on the education section.
The History Of Media
There has always been a need for societies to communicate and share information. Throughout history, people have developed a variety of ways to locally and globally share information. The invention of the printed press was an essential stepping stone for the development of communication methods. In the past, conversational media such as the telegraph and telephones were popular. Later, adding other forms of media such as moving pictures and voice recordings became a vital part of communication. Then, the new found knowledge about the electromagnetic spectrum allowed people to broadcast real-time news using radio and television. Moreover, in Clay Shirky’s Ted-Ed talk (2012) "How Social Media Can Make History," he explains the history of the creation of media and the relationship between the communication methods that occur because of the new development of media. Shirky (2012) states that there are two types of communication during a conversation: the one-to-one conversation (e.g. the telephone), and the one-to-many conversation (e.g. television and radio).
Interestingly, when using the Internet to communicate with one another became popular, it changed people’s communication options. The internet is the only medium that supports the many-to-many pattern of conversation. One must learn to critically participate in this type of conversation, which occurs worldwide, transcends different cultures, political spheres, and economies. It is a compelling challenge for modern educators and students. Learning how to question the credibility and the validity of information, and learning to both critically consume and participate in this new worldwide many-to-many conversation is an important field of study in education. In recent years, there has been a pedagogical shift in educational instruction. Educators are expected to transform their classrooms by developing and utilizing teaching strategies to support the one-to-many and many-to-many communication style.
The Media of Today
The digital world of today, the ease of access and low cost allows us to easily participate and obtain media information. This research topic, "the credibility and critical thinking of media", focuses on the vast amount of available online information, articles, and naturally, media. Consequently, as a group, communication between people was effective and efficient due to the quality of devices developed for today's technology such as computers, tablets, iPads, smartphones, and smart watches. Without the internet and the develop of new innovations, it is challenging to research about this topic. The technology of today plays a crucial role in the life of the students of today.
The creation of digital media has a particular impact on education. Students today are termed ‘digital natives,' or as Tapscott (2009) calls them, the ‘Net Generation.' This name refers to the idea that students have experienced technology since birth. Social media has become a vital part of a student's life. More specifically, technology plays a major role in their social identity and has also become a source for seeking news and information.
The creation of digital media has a particular impact on education. Students today are termed ‘digital natives,' or as Tapscott (2009) calls them, the ‘Net Generation.' This name refers to the idea that students have experienced technology since birth. Social media has become a vital part of a student's life. More specifically, technology plays a major role in their social identity and has also become a source for seeking news and information.
Given this context, learn about the challenging issues current scholars identify. Click the link to find out more!