Media and Information Literacy 
(MIL ) is a “combination of knowledge, attitudes, skills, and practices required to access, analyse, evaluate, use, produce, and communicate information and knowledge in creative, legal and ethical ways that respect human rights” (Moscow Declaration on Media and Information Literacy, 2012). It recognizes the primary role of information and media in our everyday lives. It lies at the core of freedom of expression and information - since it empowers citizens to understand the functions of media and other information providers, to critically evaluate their content, and to make informed decisions as users and producer of information and media The course introduces the learners to basic understanding of media and information as channels of communication and for the development of individuals and societies. It also aims students to be creative and critical thinkers as well as responsible users and competent producers of media and information.

In our MIL class  we first discussed Communication, the Eight Elements that Constitute the Creation of Message and the Communication Process.

Communication is a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols and signs of behavior.

Eight Elements that Constitute the Creation of Message

Sender - the source of the information
Message - the information that the sender or the source want to communicate
Channel - a medium which a message is transmitted
Encoding - process of assembling the message
Decoding -responsible for delivering the message. It is used by the sender to communicate the information.
Receiver - the target of the information or the one who gets the message
Feedback - a reaction or the response of the receiver. It ensures that the receiver understood the message 
Noise Interference -   is any type of disruption that interferes with the transmission or interpretation of information 

In relation to our subject Media and Information Literacy, our adviser, Sir Argie N. Zamora create a facebook page for our class. The page will serve as our group discussion site. Its purpose is also to make us more active in group discussions and activities in this course. 

The first photo that our adviser post in the group page is the Five Laws of Media and Information Literacy


In essence of course, the 5 Laws focus on competencies that address knowledge in all formats and resonate with our own professional values and standards. In summary they assert: (1) information/media are critical to civic engagement and sustainable development and equally relevant in all forms; (2) every citizen is a creator of information/knowledge; (3) information/media messages are not always value neutral and truth should be made understandable; (4) every citizen has a right to access and understand new information/knowledge/messages; (5) media/information literacy is acquired as a process.




For our class to have a better understanding about how communication works and how it is important to every individual and the society, our adviser posted a in the group to make a case study about our previous lesson which is how does noise interference affects the lives of every individual in the society. We are grouped according to our sitting arrangement. My group members are Asi, Leah, Hecthor, Camilla and Nikka. 

Mediated interpersonal communication breakdown occur when people in the provinces of Leyte and Samar weren’t informed what a stormsurge was

•The misconception of stormsurge is the main factor that brought massive deaths and destruction to Tacloban City.

•PAGASA doesnt give precise information in explaining to the public the magnitude and gravity of a stromsurge.

•Citizens lose their faith in the communication network and systems when the calamity strikes.

We all know that interpersonal communication is always difficult when noise occurs like what happened in Tacloban

Because of Mediated Interpersonal Communication breakdown and the lack of knowledge and information of the people massive deaths and destruction in Tacloban occurred.

We also have a better understanding of communication and mass communication. Communication is the imparting or exchanging of information or news. On the other hand, mass communication is a type of communication which information can be transmitted quickly to a large number of people who generally stay away from the sources of information. In addition, mass communication is also headed by technologies and mass audience whose membership is scattered all over the world. It is done through many mediums, such as television, radio, social networking, magazines, billboards, music, movies and many more.

The next topic was Media that we had discussed is Media.

Media is the plural form of medium, which (broadly speaking) describes any channel of communication. This can include anything from printed paper to digital data, and encompasses art, news, educational content and numerous other forms of information. Digital media, which makes up an increasingly vast portion of modern communications, is comprised of intricately encoded signals that are transmitted over various forms of physical and virtual media, such as fiber optic cable and computer networks.

In this lesson we have discussed the Communication Process Model of Shannon-Weaver or the SMCR and the Feedback Mechanism. Feedback is important in the communication process because this is to know if the message is effective. After that Media as an Information Industry has been discussed also. The information industry comprises a group of enterprises and organizations whose purpose is to produce and process information and to develop the infrastructure and delivery mechanisms to distribute information. For the individuals and companies that implement these functions, it is important to understand the nature of the industry and the issues that affect its activities. For the people and organizations that use information, it is helpful to develop an understanding of the larger picture of the industry as a whole so they know where to find the information they need and how it is being made available. And Media as a Culture of Entertainment, aside from using or accessing the media for information, we maybe more concerned with using or accessing media for its entertainment value. 

Next topic is the Kinds of Media

The first one is Traditional Media which covers the kinds of media that were invented prior to the invention of the internet.
New Media which refer to media that developed when the use of computer technology became ordinary and common in most part of the world. New media also refers to a different or newer way of creating, processing, disseminating and transmitting information.
Social Media refers to internet-maintained computer programs that could be installed in personal computers or portable devices, the sole purpose of which is to connect with other people using the same platform.
Mobile Communications Technology a one-stop-shop of traditional and new media technologies combined. Example of these are smartphones and tablets.
Related and Emerging Technologies, these are gaming consoles, google glass and smart watch which are technologies that are likely to shape our lives in the near future. 

This kinds of  media plays a very important role in the society we live in.Through these various forms of communication we can interact and communicate with other people. Millions of people watch TV and read newspapers in their free time. Most of people can't do without a newspaper in the underground or during the lunch break. TV also dominates the life of the family most of the time. It is also a habit which impossible to resist. The radio is turned on most of the time, creating a permanent background noise. So traditional media become a very important part of our life.

These kinds of media can be used for various purposes: advocacy, both for business and social concerns. This can include advertising, marketing, propaganda, public relations, and political communication. Entertainment, traditionally through performances of acting, music, and sports, along with light reading. Since the late 20th century also through video and computer games. Many instances of various types of recorded discs or tapes. In the 20th century, these were mainly used for music. Video and computer uses followed. Film, most often used for entertainment, but also for documentaries.

The next lesson is Approaches to the Relationship between Media and Society

The first approach is the mass society approach which sees the society as an integrated whole, with structures and institutions holding power and authority and exerting control over society. Ib this approach media is seen as a powerful agent in establishing social control in societies characterized by the dominance of industries , growing urban centers, alienation of citizens from their social institutions, and lack of strong citizen organization.

The Base-superstructure  Model of Karl Marx is the best one to illustrate the structure of individuals in the society.

It shows the relation of the superstructure and the base. These two was basically connected to each other because the base would not work when the superstructure stop maintaining them. Superstructure cannot also work without the use of base because were the one who shapes the superstructure.

Media and Social Integration is a functional approach that sees society like an organism. 

Functionalism was one of the major strand in theoretical strand in sociology.

While social constructionism refers to the process by which events, persons, values and ideas first defined or interpreted in a certain way. 

Media and the Rise of Information Society has been coined to refer to communities in which there is ready access to information and knowledge, leading to sustainable and equitable opportunities for growth and progress. In an Information Society, there is free flow of two-way communication between governments and their people, and among the people themselves. In such a society, everyone is informed of current affairs, especially those affecting them directly; and everyone has the ability to make his or her voice heard. Hence, everyone has a say in shaping socio-economic plans and strategies of national relevance. 

Next is Literacy

Literacy is the ability to read and write. According to UNESCO, it is a fundamental right and the foundation for lifelong learning. it is fully essential to social and human development and its ability to transform lives. For individuals, families, and societies alike, it is an instrument of empowerment to improve one's health, one's income, and one's relationship with the world.

Media Literacy is the ability to access,analyze, and respond to a range of media. The access word means an individual has the knowledge of where to find these forms of media. While Analysis include thinking reflectively and critically on what has been read, seen or experienced, and its implications to oneself and one's community.

Information Literacy is the set of abilities requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed, and how to locate, evaluate and use it effectively. These skills will help citizens make informed decisions and form opinions that can impact their daily lives and the communities they live in, as well as minimize risks associated with the very same technologies, such as security, safety, and privacy.

After our discussion on these topic our adviser post in our fb page of some activities that we need to answer using our local language.
 What is the importance of being a Media Literate person in the 21st Century?
Ru importansya it sangka Media Literate Person o kun sayuron hay isaea ka tawo nga kayang intindihon ag imbestigahan ru sangka impormasyon kun daya hay matuod ag masarigan ag ru impormasyon ngara hay nasasagap maeang naton pamaagi sa isaea ka telebisyon, radyo, internet o kun ano pa man nga matawag nga media. Raya nga abilidad hay makabulig katon para makahatod it balita o impormasyon sa madali nga pamaagi nga kun siin indi ka eon magkalisod. Sa makarang pamaagi man hay madali naton matun an mag tan-aw kung ru sangka impormasyon hay bukon it minatuod. Ru abilidad ngara hay nagabulig nga mapadali ag mapahagan hagan ru kalisod it mga tawo nga naga kabuhi sa bag ong henerasyon nga kun siin ru sa pagkalat it impormasyon hay paagi eon sa makabag o man nga mga teknolohiya.

How Information Literacy affects our lives? 
Ru Information Literacy o kun sa aton hay abilidad it sangka tawo nga makaintindi kung ru isaea ka impormasyon hay kinahang ean o mapakinabangan para makabulig sa pag solbar it sanka problema at mag obra it desisyon nga makabulig para sa isigkatawo. Daya nga abilidad hay makabulig gid sa aton sa mayad nga pamaagi dahil uwa maeang ra ga handum nga mabuligan nga mapauswag ru kabuhi it sangka tawo kundi pati ru tanan nga tawo nga sakop it sanka komyunidad kon siin tanan gid hay makapakinabang.

What is the difference between media and information literacy?
The difference between the two is media literacy is a set of abilities combined to understand an information coming from a channel or different types of media. While information literacy is a set of ability to know if the information is needed or important. This two aren't really different from each other because these two are important abilities that millennials or people who were living in this generation need to acquire so they can avoid fake information and be aware of their environment.

The next and the previous topic that we discussed is Digital citizenship and Computer Literacy.

Computer literacy is the ability to use computers and related technology efficiently, with a range of skills covering levels from elementary use to programming and advanced problem solving. By another measure, computer literacy requires some understanding of computer programming and how computers work. Having skills and abilities towards computers is very important in daily lives since we are now all living in the modern world where news and information is communicated or transmitted with the use of computer technology as a channel for communication.

After that, Digital Citizenship and the nine themes of digital citizenship was introduced in our class. A digital citizen refers to a person who has the knowledge and skills to effectively use digital technologies to communicate with others, participate in society and create and consume digital content.

First one is Digital Access which is the full  electronic participation in society. These includes that technology users need to be aware that not everyone has the same opportunities when it comes to technology. 

Digital Commerce or electronic buying and selling goods. These includes that technology users need to understand that a large share of market economy is being done electronically. Legitimate and legal exchanges are occurring, but the buyer or seller needs to be aware of the issues associated with it.

Digital Communication refers to the electronic exchange of information. One of the significant changes within the digital revolution is a person’s ability to communicate with other people.he expanding digital communication options have changed everything because people are able to keep in constant communication with anyone else. Now everyone has the opportunity to communicate and collaborate with anyone from anywhere and anytime. Unfortunately, many users have not been taught how to make appropriate decisions when faced with so many different digital communication options.

Digital Literacy  refers to an individual's ability to find, evaluate, and compose clear information through writing and other mediums on various digital platforms. It is important in every individual in the society because Digital technology allows people to interact and communicate with family and friends on a regular basis due to the "busy constraints" of today's world.

Digital Etiquette or electronic standards of conduct or procedure. Technology users often see this area as one of the most pressing problems when dealing with Digital Citizenship. We recognize inappropriate behavior when we see it, but before people use technology they do not learn digital etiquette (i.e., appropriate conduct). 

Digital Law or electronic responsibility for actions and deeds.Digital law deals with the ethics of technology within a society. Unethical use manifests itself in form of theft and/or crime. Ethical use manifests itself in the form of abiding by the laws of society. Users need to understand that stealing or causing damage to other people’s work, identity, or property online is a crime. There are certain rules of society that users need to be aware in a ethical society. These laws apply to anyone who works or plays online. Hacking into others information, downloading illegal music, plagiarizing, creating destructive worms, viruses or creating Trojan Horses, sending spam, or stealing anyone’s identify or property is unethical.

Digital Rights & Responsibilities refers to those freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world. Just as in the American Constitution where there is a Bill of Rights, there is a basic set of rights extended to every digital citizen. Digital citizens have the right to privacy, free speech, etc. Basic digital rights must be addressed, discussed, and understood in the digital world.  With these rights also come responsibilities as well.  Users must help define how the technology is to be used in an appropriate manner.  In a digital society these two areas must work together for everyone to be productive. 

Digital Health & Wellness is the  physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world.
Eye safety, repetitive stress syndrome, and sound ergonomic practices are issues that need to be addressed in a new technological world.  Beyond the physical issues are those of the psychological issues that are becoming more prevalent such as Internet addiction.  Users need to be taught that there are inherent dangers of technology. Digital Citizenship includes a culture where technology users are taught how to protect themselves through education and training. 

Digital Security (self-protection) which is the electronic precautions to guarantee safety.  In any society, there are individuals who steal, deface, or disrupt other people. The same is true for the digital community. It is not enough to trust other members in the community for our own safety. In our own homes, we put locks on our doors and fire alarms in our houses to provide some level of protection. The same must be true for the digital security. We need to have virus protection, backups of data, and surge control of our equipment. As responsible citizens, we must protect our information from outside forces that might cause disruption or harm.

These elements have also been organized under the principles of respect, educate and protect. Most everyone understands that to keep a healthy body it is beneficial to be active, and one way is to begin a workout routine. Often work- outs have the person go through several repetitions, or reps, to strengthen muscles. With the increase in technology in the hands of everyone, especially your kids, parents are in the need of a new workout, and new REPs. There are two aspects to each of the REPs: one focuses on an individual’s use of technology, and the other is users’ responsibility to do the same for others (which helps users to focus on empathy for others as well). The principles of respect, educate, and protect each include elements to help parents and children discuss the issues and ideas that are happening with respect to technology.

Respect Your Self/Respect Others

- Etiquette

- Access

- Law

Educate Your Self/Connect with Others

- Literacy

- Communication

- Commerce

Protect Your Self/Protect Others

-Rights and Responsibility

- Safety (Security)

- Health and Welfare

Being a good digital citizen within the online community includes anything from learning email etiquette to how to prevent and report cyber-bullying. Digital citizenship also includes learning about safety concerns like how to protect private information and how to stay safe while communicating online. 

Why is digital citizenship important?

• Digital communities are becoming more prolific, making good citizenship important for safety and order.
• Personal and financial information can be easily accessed by others online.
• Cyber-bullying has severe consequences and can be the result of irresponsible digital citizens.
• Online predators are a real threat to unassuming or naïve students.
• Teaching digital citizenship contributes to a holistic approach to teaching students to be part of a community – on and offline.

The latest activity that we answered in our facebook page was the following:

As a Netizen, how do you value the word "ethics" when using Social Media? Give example.

Nowadays, social media plays an important role in our lives. It serves as our way to communicate, interact, and express our opinions, emotions, and perspectives towards other people and the things that surrounds us.

As one of the billion users of social media, I value 'ethics' because our social media accounts also speaks about our identity. So, we must be careful in every way.

I value ethics in social media by avoiding myself to post or share nonsense information and messages that can hurt or offend someone. And by respecting my friends and followers posts, especially when it is about expressing theirselves because I know and I understand that some of us weren't that good or able to express their feelings, views, and opinions in personal, that's why they choose to post it rather say and express it in personal.

As a 21st Century Learner, what are the advantages of Media and Information Literacy?

Media and information literacy's advantages plays an important role to us, learner's in 21st century. Because media and information literacy enables us to interpret and make informed judgement as users of information and media, as well as to become skillful creators and producers of information and media messages.
It also increases our ability and proficiency.

Think and have an example through an illustration of how media literacy and information literacy intersects as discipline.

 I illustrate media literacy and information literacy intersects as a discipline when an individual acts literate and educated when they use their social media accounts and when they show care for other individuals by avoiding or preventing themselves on spreading fake news and informations.

The first picture shows that a person must be an information literate so he would know when and how to use the information that he or she received. In that case, he/she wouldn't be a victim of fake news and informations.

While the second one shows that a media literate person is aware and updated in the happenings in his/her environment. He or she is knowledgeable enough on how will respond right using different media platforms.

In this subject, Media and Information Literacy (MIL) I have learn a lot on how to be a responsible individual in the society. This discipline helps me to be creative and critical thinker as well as responsible users and competent producer of media and information.