Media Education's Present and Future: A Survey of Teachers.

Abstract

Public and private elementary and secondary school teachers in a small southeastern city in the United States at the close of the 20 th century were surveyed to assess the current state of media education. The resulting case study attempts to determine whether changes have occurred in media education, given the increase in educator awareness of media education benefits, media literacy advocacy groups, media education resources, and changes in technology. Specific areas of inquiry include the importance of teaching media literacy, competency to teach media literacy, teachers' perceptions of students' media skills and understanding, and barriers to media education. Results indicate an overwhelming support for media education goals and values; however, only two-thirds of the respondents reported addressing media in the classroom. Lack of time and materials were reported as the most common barriers to media education.