Hey there! Imagine you're scrolling through your feed, and you see tons of info coming at you—news articles, ads, social media posts, and even memes. How do you make sense of it all? That's where this class kicks in. We dive into the basics of understanding and analyzing the tidal wave of media that hits us every day. You'll learn to distinguish between different types of media, understand messages, identify bias, and separate fact from fiction. Plus, we'll cover the history of media, its role in society, and the impact of digital technologies on the news landscape.

Now, why does this matter to you? Well, by sharpening your media literacy skills, you'll become a pro at spotting misinformation, which—let's be real—is pretty crucial in today's world. You'll also learn how to communicate effectively in our media-saturated environment, making you a savvy consumer and creator of information. Whether you're tweeting, blogging, or just chatting with friends, the tools you'll gain in this course will make you more confident and credible. You'll walk away not just with a better grasp of the media world, but also with super relevant skills that'll serve you in every aspect of your life.

Jerry N. Allen is a seasoned educator with over a decade of experience in exploring the intersections of communication, culture, and technology. His passion for media literacy is rooted in his belief that understanding media is crucial to being an informed citizen in today's digital landscape. Having earned a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on digital media, Jerry has dedicated his career to equipping students with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate and analyze the complex media environment.

In the classroom, Jerry fosters an engaging and dynamic learning environment where students are encouraged to critically engage with a variety of media texts. His approach is grounded in real-world examples that resonate with his students, bridging theoretical concepts with practical application. Jerry's connection to the Media Literacy course is deeply personal; he is committed to empowering his students to become savvy media consumers and creators, ensuring they can recognize bias, understand differing perspectives, and contribute positively to the digital dialogue. His enthusiasm for the subject is evident in the innovative assignments and discussions he brings to the course, inspiring his students to become thoughtful, media-literate individuals.