8/6/2019 Media Literacy Dossier Kahne Et Al 2010 SummarybyWang

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Wang, Yinhan; 2011, ‘Media Literacy Dossier: research review 2 (Kahne

et al 2010), LSE Media Policy Project , April 12.

Full reference details of reviewed article:Kahne, J., Feezell, J. T., & Lee, N. (2010). Digital media literacy education and 

online civic and political participation : DML Central.

Conceptions/definition of media literacy (or related concept) usedBased on Aufderheide & Firestone’s (1993) definition of media literacy, thereport defines digital media literacy as ‘extend[ing] the traditionalunderstanding of media literacy to include new skills that are required tonavigate today’s new media environment and includes creative production

and instruction on how to evaluate and use information critically’ (p. 2).

Research method/scope of empirical workThe study asks: (i) the frequency youth receive of digital media education atschool; (ii) whether digital media literacy education foster political participationonline; (iii) whether digital media literacy education promotes exposure todiverse viewpoints; and (iv) whether digital media literacy education promotesmore (or less) equitable civic and political engagement.

Researchers administered survey questionnaire to 502 high school studentsin 2006, and another set of 453 high school students, all in California and

constitute a wide range of demographic and academic characteristics.

VariablesDependent variables are: politically driven online participation, exposure todiverse perspectives online, and interest-driven online participation.

The variable ‘digital media literacy education’ asks about school lessons onassessment of online information, using the Internet to learn about political orsocial issues; use the Internet to learn about different perspectives; contentcreation online.

Control variables: gender, race, political ideology, political interest, andgeneral uses of new media.

Key findings- Less than 20% of students reported never having any lessons in media

literacy. Most have had some lesson, but opportunities not universal.- When given the opportunities to learn about political participation online

through digital media literacy education, students are more likely toengage in political participation online.

- Digital media literacy education does promote exposure to different

perspectives.

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- There was no indication that opportunities for media literacy education

are correlated with demographic factors; nor was it indicated that sucheducation was inequitably distributed at schools.

Key implications for research and policymaking- Even though there are relatively equal opportunities for digital media

literacy education at schools, students’ access to opportunities formedia literacy education can still be improved both in quantity andquality.

- Also important is for such educational opportunities to reach out tothose who do not attend college.

- Those who have received digital media literacy education are more

likely to engage in more politically driven activities online, and beexposed to diverse viewpoints online. (Results found after controllingfor demographic factors and prior levels of online activity). Educationinitiatives may help promote political and civic participation online.

- Educators, policymakers should continue to conceive of improved andnew ways of media literacy curriculum.