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THE IMPORTANCE OF MEDIA LITERACY IN THE 21ST CENTURY EDUCATION

E. Ham, I. Mudrinic

Abstract

Globalization, information technologies and presence of media in everyday life have shaped modern society. Not only does media content and information become available to everyone, but also everyone gets the opportunity to create media content. Due to the presence of media and vast amount of information in the 21st century, it is necessary to acquire specific skills considered as media literacy. Media literacy considers ability to access media and media content, to analyse media content and to communicate in a variety of contexts. Therefore, it is essential to use, understand and create media content. Particularly young people are in need of understanding the nature of the media, especially mass media, their techniques and impact on shaping values, attitude and behaviour. So, media literacy is a skill which needs to be acquired in supervised educational surroundings. Moreover, if we consider preparation for life as a primary objective of education, then education for media imposes itself. Therefore, contemporary education should create conditions for developing and improving studentВ’s communication skills and critical approach to media and media contents in education as well as in everyday life. Furthermore, it is necessary to deliberate implementation ways and activities which will acquire, develop and improve media literacy among students and teachers as well.

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