Theme: Create

What is Create?

In media literacy, media creation is a form of expression. It encompasses learning how to express ideas through media and communication tools and using that power to create media narratives beyond those that exist in mainstream media.

One must first be able to access, analyze, and evaluate how mainstream media narratives are produced in order to subvert those narratives in their own media creations. One must also understand their own agenda, intent, and bias when creating media.

Media creators may also use existing media to create new ideas and content. Creation is a larger category that includes (but is not limited to):

• Writing, 
• Speaking, 
• Conceptualizing new ideas,
• Making art: visual, digital, audio, theatrical,
• Posting and sharing on social media,
• Communicating with others,
• Constructing visual information or content.

Key Questions to ask when Creating media messages:

• Is this fact, my opinion, or something else?
• What are my sources of information?
• How might different people understand this message differently? 
• Who might benefit from this message?
• Who might be harmed by it?
• What actions do I want people to take in response to this message?
• What ideas, values, information, or points of view are overt? Implied?
• What is left out that might be important to know?

Additional Resources

Here are some digital tools for a more productive — and fun — summer
Poynter

Key Questions to Ask When Creating Media Messages
Project Look Sharp

KQED Youth Media Challenge
KQED Teach

Media Making Courses
KQED Teach

Why and How to Use YouTube Video Essays in Your Classroom
Common Sense Education

Activities

A Curriculum for Digital Media Creation
Apple, Inc.

Applied Digital Skills
Google

Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for Media Literacy Education
Media Education Lab

Remix
University of Notre Dame

Questions?

Contact us: medialiteracyweek@namle.org