On 10th February Ofcom published its two research reviews, into the media
literacy of children and adults.
Ofcom defines media literacy as the ability to access, understand and
create communications in a variety of contexts. Ofcom has a duty to promote
media literacy under Section 11 of the Communications Act 2003.
The reviews are:
§ The Media Literacy of Children and Young People: a review of the
research literature by Professor David Buckingham (Institute of Education
University of London). This can be found at -
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consumer_guides/media_literacy/Medlitpub/mlcyp.pdf
§ Adult Media Literacy: A review of the research literature by
Professor Sonia Livingstone (Department of Media and Communications, LSE).
This can be found at -
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consumer_guides/media_literacy/Medlitpub/aml.pdf
The purpose of this work was to outline the range of studies conducted, the
gaps in research, provide examples of innovative methodologies, and outline
possible barriers and enablers to media literacy identified by these
studies.
These reviews have admirably fulfilled their task, and provide a
stimulating point of departure for informing and refining research
strategies and methodologies. Some of the recommendations can be taken
forward by Ofcom; others may be more relevant to other stakeholders
including content producers, broadcasters, platform and network providers,
educators, government departments, parents, children’s charities and other
organisations.
The assumptions, conclusions and recommendations expressed in the reviews
are those of the authors and should not be attributed to Ofcom.
|