Definition of Media
"Media" is the plural of "medium." A medium is
something, such as an intermediate course of action,
that occupies a position or represents a condition
midway between extremes; a specific kind of artistic
technique or means of expression as determined by the
materials used or the creative methods involved; a
means of mass communication such as newspapers,
magazines, radio or television.
Definition of Communication
Communication is the exchange of thoughts,
messages or information, as by speech, signals,
writing or behavior.
We use different types of media for different
communication purposes.
Advantages and Communication
Uses of Various Media from User's
Point of View
- Some give information immediately.
- Some provide pictures.
- Some allow one-to-one communication.
- Some provide a shared (mass) experience.
- Some give in-depth information.
- Some give a quick overview.
Activity
Using the chart above, have
students select the type(s) of media that can be applied
to the uses listed above. Discuss what the advantages
or disadvantages are.
Definition of Multimedia
Multimedia generally is associated with
computers and videos, but it simply refers to a project
created by using more than one expressive form (or
medium). A collage in which kids outline their hand
on a sheet of paper, and then write, draw or paint on
the outline to express who they are, is a multimedia
project. Producing a short video essay is also
multimedia because it has both pictures and sound.
With the introduction of the personal computer,
the tools of multimedia have been put into many more
people's hands, and with the Internet becoming so
pervasive, we can now publish and share our work
with millions of people around the world.
New technologies do not replace traditional media,
but they do provide more options. It is important to
remember that visual communication is still a part of
human communication. The first decision we have to
make when we tell a story is to choose what medium
is most appropriate to the message.
Activity
- Have students discuss the amount of time
they spend watching television, reading print
material (newspapers, books, magazines) on
the Internet, etc.
- Discuss what activities they pursue on the
Internet. Do they use the Internet for e-mail,
gaming, shopping, surfing the Web.
- Have students develop a chart of the time they
spend with various media. Is the time spent too
much or too little? Have students evaluate if
their time spent interacting with media could
be used in a different way.
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- 63% of Americans now go online.
- 52% of Internet users go online on a typical
day.
- African-Americans and seniors are among the
least likely to go online.
- African-Americans and Hispanics are among
the least likely to say they use e-mail.
- African-Americans and Hispanics are among
the most likely to use online discussions and
chat rooms.
- Parents are more likely than non-parents to
use the Internet.
- Young adults pave the way with online
communication tools like IM and chat,
and continue to lead in most hobby and
entertainment activities.
Source: Pew Research Center, 2003 |
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