Fairfield University to host Media Literacy Research Symposium | Press Releases

Image: Fairfield University Douglas Rushkoff, author of "Present Shock: When Everything Happens Now," will be the keynote speaker for a Media Literacy Research Symposium to be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, March 21, at Fairfield University. Sponsored by the Educational Technology Program of the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions (GSEAP), the symposium will take place in the University's Charles F. Dolan School of Business.

"Media literacy education has always been to me the answer for helping students achieve deeper thinking and creating real-world curriculums in schools," said Belinha De Abreu, Ph.D, associate professor of the practice in Educational Technology. "At the same time, media literacy education could provide enduring conversations on teaching and learning that asks students to delve further into their beliefs especially as it relates to some of the pre-conceived notions presented by the media. These are crucial to the global conversation on media literacy education research and as such an ongoing focus within the Educational Technology program at GSEAP."

The day will include presentations on media literacy, digital media and learning, global perspectives, educational training and policy, digital citizenship and public spaces and civic activism. Participants will also reflect on the current work of top scholars, new researchers, graduate students and practicing educators and develop and increase research in the field.

In addition to "Present Shock," Rushkoff has written a dozen other best-selling books on media, technology and culture, including "Program or Be Programmed," "Media Virus" and "Life Inc." He has written a novel and two graphic novels and made the television documentaries "Merchants of Cool," "The Persuaders" and "Digital Nation." He lectures on media, society and economics around the world.

Registration for the symposium is $75 for academic, researchers and educators and $35 for students. The fee includes continental breakfast, lunch and more. To register, visit www.fairfield.edu/literacy2014 . For more information, contact Dr. De Abreu at bdeabreu@fairfield.edu .