About this site
Welcome to Media Studies, a site for media studies teachers (NCEA levels 2–3) which includes teaching resources and virtual forums for media teachers to connect with each other to discuss developments in the subject and media issues of the day. New Zealand media studies teachers can access beacon schools and other resources, join an email group and contribute to a discussion forum in the Private community. Please note: This community has recently moved to a new platform. Current members will need to register again and create their own password. One log-in will enable you to access the forum, join the email group, and view and post material.
Why teach media studies?
The media is a powerful force in all our lives. Media literacy is therefore vital for teachers and learners in the twenty-first century. The material in this website is designed to support schools in embedding media education into the curriculum.
Media teaching provides what students today really need: ways of understanding about how the world works, skills of analysis and interpretation, and opportunities for learning by doing. As Marshall McLuhan once famously said, 'Those who think there is a difference between entertainment and education, don't know the first thing about either!' The real strength of media teaching is that it teaches us about both!
Dr Geoff Lealand, Associate Professor, Screen and Media Studies,
The University of Waikato, (2006).
How media studies helps students
Media studies helps students in a variety of ways:
It teaches students:
- that media messages are a construction of reality not reality itself
- to use media languages to analyse how media products are constructed
- that the media is enjoyable, entertaining, persuasive and powerful.
It allows students:
- to put theory into practice in their own media production, engaging them in a creative activity which increases personal confidence and practical skills
- to transfer media literacy skills across different curricula.
It enables students:
- to see beneath the screen and read between the lines – to become critically literate and transfer their literacy skills to any media text.
It develops skills and knowledge:
- so students can be more active participants in their society
- which are useful in a wide variety of careers.
To find out more about what is meant by media literacy, go to: Media literacy
Media studies community news
Visit the Community news page to see notices and recent additions to the media studies kete on TKI. You can send feedback and ideas to the media studies community facilitator at mediastudies@tki.org.nz.
Forum access
A forum can be accessed via the Private community.
Navigation
Use the menu on the right-hand side of the screen to navigate through this site. The sitemap shows the complete contents list with links to all pages.