Critical multiple literacies

The paper by Kahn and Kellner (2005) was a real eye open and centered around really important implications for the future of Education. I like most teachers in NZ are familiar with the concept and practice of Information Literacy and the importance of our students having the ability to search through screeds of information, differentiate between good and bad information and use it effectively. I have not thought extensively about the critical nature of other multimedia and literacies. The influence media has on us is hugely significant. Many adults let alone children would often be unaware of the impact media can have. Children typically do not have the skills to discern much of the multimedia they are bombarded with on a daily basis. Kellner recognizes media culture as a form of pedagogy, but one that is "frequently invisible and subliminal". I had not considered a pedagogy that is not intentional - but it is so true and quite scary really that we are influenced and being taught by what we see, hear and experience. From a spiritual dimension I have understood the effects media can have on ones beliefs but pedagogically not so much. Media is powerful and can influence for good or bad. Those in power can determine what people will see and hear and consequently think and do.

The importance of being technological and media literate is massive, but maybe more important is the ability to have the skills to critique and not be sucked in by everything we see and hear. I didn't REALLY start to critically analyze until I got to Teachers College. Here it was drummed into us constantly and at the time it seemed overboard. I am very grateful for that now though. In school a critical thinking mind wasn't really emphasized the same. Yes we were asked to occasionally think alternatively but there was the focus that I think needs to be addressed particularly in relation to multi literacies.

Media literate students will be able to "learn from media, resist media manipulation and use media materials in constructive way". This quote is key I think. We can't escape media and wouldn't want to but we all need to be able to identify when we are being manipulated. The knowledge will help enhance democratization as people particularly the lower class will have access and the technological and critical skills to be educated, express themselves on a global platform if necessary and avoid becoming a "cultural zombie".


Kahn, R., & Kellner, D. (2005). Reconstructing Technoliteracy: a multiple literacies approach. E-Learning 2(3), 238-246.