Hobbs and PLS

Renee Hobbs is "one of the nation’s leading authorities on media education." Hobbs is currently investigating how Latinos view and analyze Tobacco advertisements. She is also conduction a study on "the impact of media literacy education on students' academic performance, family communication and civic engagement" at Montgomery Blair High School in Maryland. Both of these investigations focus on media and its impact on individuals. By conducting this research, Hobbs can revolutionize the education system in America.

I think that Hobbs research is extremely important in the world of education. I am a firm believer that students need to critically analyze their surroundings. I cannot think of a better way than analyzing media. Media is everywhere. According to the PLS, "Being media literate also entails using media wisely and effectively, including being able to judge the credibility of information from different sources." We are constantly listening to advertisments on the radio and seeing them on the computer, television, or billboards. Media is becoming a major part of our society and we need to learn how to filter the information. Even news broadcasts whould be looked at critically. The goal of educators is to make students aware of what is out there and help them filter the information. As an English teacher, I feel that it's important for students to analyze literature, but it is much more important that students can analyze the environment in which they live. Furthermore, "Media literacy is essential for the development of informed, reflective and active citizens in a democratic society." This es exactly what we want our students to be. Hobbs investigation will show us how to create the classrooms where media exists and how to effectively use media.