Abstract

In a globalized and media society with unprecedented technological development, institutions of higher education are adapting their training models to face this new challenge. This study aimed to determine students' self-perception of their media competence and the differential influence of an ecosystemic model of training that is being implemented experimentally. The research methodology is mixed, as both a quantitative (descriptive and inferential analysis) as well as a qualitative analysis (are made of the contents of the open reports). A total of 808 university students enrolled in the 2015-16 course in different university centres and countries (Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, and Faculty of Economics-Business of University of Oviedo (Spain) and Technological Institute of Mexico), completed a questionnaire about media competence and wrote open reports about their experience with ecosystemic models. The results showed that university students have a favorable self-perception of their level of media competence, and they consider it important to develop by means of transversal training and ecosystemic training models. Significant differences between the students of the different degrees also emerged depending on whether or not an ecosystemic approach was used to develop the subjects. In conclusion, the study shows that these models favor teaching-learning processes in the university by adapting the technology to the users and improving their media competence.

Abstract

This article analyses the status of media literacy in Brazil from the perspective of non-formal education. It quantifies the situation through a sample of projects (N=240) and organizations (N=107) that develop media literacy activities according to the internationally recognized three dimensions of media education (access/use, critical understanding, and media content media production). These projects are aimed at different communities of citizens according to various levels of segmentation (age, location, social status, social groups, and professional fields). The analysis shows the preponderance of activities geared to the production of audiovisual content (65.4%) and to expanding the rights and communicative capabilities of certain communities, generally excluded from the traditional mass media (45.8%). Moreover, the majority of institutions have projects with a medium and high potential of empowerment (77.6%). Based on the literature review and the analysis conducted, the research presents a model that can be used for studying media education projects in the field of non-formal education. Thus, this article offers an initial look at non-formal media literacy in a country that, due to its size and large social differences, should take advantage of the complementarities that non-formal education provides to formal education, and its curriculum, regarding the development of media education and empowerment of citizens.

Abstract

The undisputed presence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in our lives has led to the development of new forms of social, interactive and critical relationships. This study aims to compare the level of media competencies, in relation to six established categories, of two population groups: adults (aged 18-55) and elders (aged over 55). The sample was composed of 714 people from the eight provinces making up the Spanish region of Andalusia. The study conducted was based on the selection and comparison of results of specific items drawn from two separate questionnaires, directed to both population groups. The data were statistically processed in accordance with the distribution of the sample proportions. The objective was to identify and contrast the degree of digital literacy of these two groups, in terms of their use, productivity and interaction with technological tools. The results highlight the needs and demands of both groups in terms of technology, critical reading and audio-visual production. It is notable that adults aged 18 to 30 have a higher level of expertise in the interaction and language dimensions, while those aged 30 and above perform better in critical and participative dimensions offered by such media, such as reflection, analysis and creation. In the over-55 group, there is a direct correlation between income bracket and level of media skills, the latter significantly diminishing with age.

Abstract

Since 2002 the Media Studies Institute at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile is working with extremely poor children and adolescents in a public boarding school set in a rural area, with the purpose of teaching them how to be reporters. The method was designed to make students work in the process of media production, including experiences of their own reality and youth interests. Learning to be reporters teach children to use media as a pretext to develop better skills in thinking, teaching them to take decisions in the production process of creating messages.

Abstract

One of the specific challenges faced by media education in Latin America is to narrow the divide and promote more equitable, fairer access to cultural and technological commodities among youth from the poorest families. Although the obstacles are more than a few and the challenges are by no means negligible, the first step toward facing them is to insert Media Education as a public policy, as State policy. Fortunately, we have always had teachers who have used the media and taught others to analyze, interpret and use them creatively. The idea, when Media Education becomes part of public policy, is to move beyond individual initiative and turn these private efforts into a State commitment. This is the only way to overcome the huge obstacles and materialize the major challenges posed by media education in the 21st century.

Abstract

The Internet is increasingly prominent in all walks of life, and Web connection is a key factor in social integration. The rise in life expectancy and quality of life mean that our active seniors now represent a growing sector in society. This study analyses what senior citizens use the Internet for and why, as well as the main benefits of its usage and the perceived obstacles of those who are non-users. The results derive from a questionnaire completed by senior citizens enrolled on university courses for older people, and they show that university seniors frequently connect to the Internet –daily or 2 or 3 times per week–, and use it mainly to look up facts, contact family and friends, for course work and to read the press. They consider the Internet easy to use but they could survive without it. For those who do not have access to the Internet, lack of knowledge about how to use it is the main barrier; yet they do not consider themselves incapable of learning how to use the Internet if they wished to do so. The data gathered from the survey challenge negative stereotypes of older people, and encourage us to modify our view of active seniors as disconnected from and incapable of using the Web and instead see their progress and motivation to learn as something highly positive.

Abstract

Public libraries have been social since their inception (they were created to meet a social need), because of their nature (they exist to serve citizens and the society), their roles and objectives (to inform, to train, and to share, create and socialize knowledge), and the values they promote (liberty, equality, democracy and non-discrimination). The complexities of today’s society, and especially the consequences of the economic crisis that began more than eight years ago, very directly affect the need to consider and recognize, beyond doubt, the social dimension of public libraries. They strengthen social cohesion and inclusion, as well as increase collaboration with other stakeholders. In this context, a team composed of librarians and experts from the third sector has created the Social Library Foundation (in Spanish, Fundación Biblioteca Social, FBS). The main objectives are to highlight the social role of public libraries, empower public libraries to carry out more projects targeting the most vulnerable people, and help the third sector to see public libraries as their allies.

Abstract

International and Spanish scholarship on the social role of libraries for people at a social disadvantage are summarized. Current initiatives in public libraries in Spain are presented along with an analysis of some of the library services that have been developed, including an example from Zagreb City Library.

Abstract

The public libraries of Columbia need to situate themselves as places for inclusion, social cohesion, construction of citizenship, and local memory as part of the post-conflict peace process. Colombia’s leaders and institutions, including libraries, have an obligation to go beyond the laws and regulations to achieve the vision of the future that has emerged from the negotiations in Havana, Cuba. There are actions that can be undertaken by libraries to promote social transformation at this historic time. Libraries are territories of peace, where librarians can undertake initiatives that build on citizens’ dreams of a prosperous future.

Abstract

Libraries have an impact on society by fostering equal opportunities to lifelong learning and education, research and innovation, culture and recreation for all. Strong libraries are those that have adequate capacity to meet the information needs of their user communities. Strong societies consist of informed citizens who actively participate in the life of their community and society. Crucial for strong libraries and strong societies is the democratic ideal —freedom of access to information for all.