Media Literacy, Social Networking, and the Web 2.0 Environment for the K-12 Educator

Belinha S. de Abreu is a media literacy educator and an assistant teaching professor in the College of Information Science & Technology at Drexel University. Her research interests include media literacy education, new media literacies, information literacy, critical thinking, popular culture, young adults, and teacher training. Dr. De Abreu’s focus is on the impact of and learning as a result of media watched and used by K-12 students. She has most recently published «Is the World Flat? School 2.0: A Global Perspective» and also served as the guest editor for The Journal of Media Literacy, (2010).

«This is a media literacy book that we in the field have been waiting for. It provides a solid conceptual framework but more importantly, it connects the theory behind media literacy with practical guidance for teachers on connecting media literacy to subjects in their classrooms. The appendices alone are valuable resources on media literacy terms, resources, and digital tools, education standards, copyright, and organization development. This book gives educators an all-in-one guide to bringing media literacy to their students!» (Tessa Jolls, President, Center for Media Literacy)«This book offers a timely and much-needed framework for educators to infuse media literacy education across the curriculum. Belinha S. De Abreu’s multidimensional view of media literacy encompasses the ever-expanding digital world and reinforces the importance of fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. An engaging and relevant read for anyone educating twenty-first century students.» (Kat Stewart, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Cable in the Classroom)«In an age where citizenship, democracy, and community are increasingly negotiated in mediated spaces, approaches to teaching and learning about these constructs must be focused around media. This book provides a new and fresh look at how media literacy education can enhance our understanding of new media technologies in the classroom. The book insightfully combines foundations in media literacy education with participatory culture, social media, and mobile technologies. The result is […] a definitive guideline for teaching and learning about media, social networks, and digital media. Teachers, parents, and the general public will find Belinha S. De Abreu’s text vital for understanding how to effectively navigate online spaces for more engaged, active and participatory lifestyles.» (Paul Mihailidis, Assistant Professor, Journalism, Media, PR, Hofstra University, New York; Director, Salzburg Academy on Media & Global Change, Salzburg Global Seminar)«Belinha S. De Abreu is a passionate, energetic media educator with a practical awareness of the needs of students and an understanding of the importance of a global perspective to break through the limitations of classroom walls.» (Marieli Rowe, Executive Director of the National Telemedia Council and Karen Ambrosh, President of the National Telemedia Council)«Media Literacy, Social Networking, and the Web 2.0 Environment for the K-12 Educator’s vision of media education is a powerful synthesis and evolution of media literacy research, theory, and practice. Belinha S. De Abreu’s text is loaded with practical resources informed by her middle school teaching experience. The text should be required reading for all professors, teachers, students, and parents committed to the mindful use of new media across the K-college curriculum.» ( Ryan R. Goble, Founder of the Making Curriculum Pop Ning and co-chair of NCTE’s Media and Digital Literacy Collaborative)