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14|11|08

Yes you can

The recent victory of Barack Obama in the US presidential elections underlines how improved media literacy can play a major role in shaping and changing society.

His election campaign relied heavily on the internet – including sites such as YouTube – to communicate directly with the voters.

But that kind of campaigning can only be successful if people are ‘web- savvy’ in the first place.

Empowering people by equipping them with the skills and confidence to get the most from new digital communications technologies is the foundation of a media literate society.

Media literacy

Ofcom is committed to improving media literacy across the UK.

As part of that work we regularly put together a bulletin which details the latest media literate developments across the UK and abroad.

The November edition features an article on the Digital Inclusion Action Plan, which was launched during last month’s Get online day.

The document is the Government’s blueprint to bridge the digital divide and ensure everyone gets an equal chance to make the most of technology.

Social networking

You can also learn more about an interactive CD-ROM on child online safety.

As the name suggests, ‘Know IT All For Parents’ is aimed at parents and carers and includes updated sections on cyber bullying and social networking.

The bulletin also reports on the Media Literacy Conference for Scotland, hosted by Ofcom Scotland and held in BBC Scotland’s new headquarters in Pacific Quay.

The formation of Scottish Media Literacy Forum was announced at the conference.

To read about this and more, click here to download the latest media literacy bulletin [pdf].

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