Media Literacy Ethnography

Context

In CI 3750, under the guidance of Jeff Goodman, I created a Media Literacy Ethnography to investigate the correlation between television and its impact on the attention span.  This investigation consisted of background research on the mental, emotional, physical, and social effects of television and then further research on statistics regarding today's generation and the media.  I then gathered data from my students in my internship about their relationship to the media, such as what their favorite TV shows are and why.  With all of this knowledge I showed them a viewing of three popular television shows, one from each generation (1960s, 1980s, 2005), and observed how they reacted with each through direct observation of body language and questioning.  With all of this information, I presented it to my peers in a presentation slide format through Microsoft Power Point 

Impact

This assignment made me much more aware of the epidemic of television and the impact the media has on children.  Not only does is it addicting but through my research I learned that it can alter the way the brain is formed in early childhood.  As a future teacher, I can use what I learned through this project as a reminder of the importance of being creative and not using the television as babysitter but only as a learning tool.

This project also gave me the skills to research a topic and carry it out through my own observations and data and then present it to other teachers, parents, or the community. 

Alignment

I have met NETS-T Standard IV-B because I gathered information in the form of a videotape and asked questions of my students to establish their relationship with the media.

I have met NETS-T Standard V-A because I did additional research to inquire what media literacy experts thought about the correlation between television and the attention span.

I have met NETS-T Standard II-B because I gave a handout to my peers, fellow pre-service teachers, that includes tips for teachers and parents to create healthy television habits and an annotated bibliography that provides insightful resources on the subject.

I have met NETS-T Standard V-D because I presented my research to my peers through a powerpoint presentation and video clips.

I have met NC DPI Standard 5- Indicator 2 because I chose to research a current topic that is affecting the mental, physical, emotional, and social health of children.