Media Literacy Curriculum Design:
Preparing Students for Multimedia Technology

The purpose of this study was to design and implement a graduate and undergraduate media literacy curriculum which prepares students for emerging technologies. The need for such a course of study has arisen due to the merging of multiple media technologies into a single technology, the digital computer. Understanding and communicating information in a variety of forms has become a priority in our society. Public Schools were originally invented to promote literacy in reading and writing print technology. Today, a new definition of literacy must include other media forms. One common thread in this new definition and found in all media is the use of symbol systems which are syntactic and semantic features being used symbolically.

In formulating the content of the course, research indicated a need for a knowledge base which transfers regardless of technological changes. This knowledge base included an understanding of information and media technologies as sociological, ideological, and technological. Specific content involved discourse in symbol systems, communication theories, cognitive psychology, learning theories, and media design. The study was unique in its use of art films and videos to illustrate concepts.

The course was implemented for the Art Department at Mississippi State University as part of their Electronic Visualization Fine Arts Masters Program. The course was entitled, Issues In Multimedia Design and Animation: Advanced Art History 6673. The student population was made up primarily of artists and animators. The curriculum met the objectives of the study, but more research is indicated for implementing the design with students of diverse backgrounds.