Media education in the School 2.0 era: Teaching media literacy through laptop computers and iPads

Abstract

In the School 2.0 era in Hong Kong, students are using laptop computers and iPads to explore and discuss media issues in the classroom. Using the innovation theory, this study investigates this new way of teaching and learning. It examines the effectiveness and challenges of learning media literacy through new media technologies. The results show that students are highly motivated by the new media and express great interest in the media literacy curriculum. The new methods not only enhance students’ media literacy, but they also strengthen their 4C skills (critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration). Using new information technologies to teach media education is effective because the new curriculum can create “meaning” and “relevance” for the Net-Generation students.