Media Ecology and Media Education: Reflections on Media Literacy in a Globalized Communication Ecology

Abstract：From the theoretical perspectives of media ecology, this paper critically reflects upon the importance of media education, media literacy, and intercultural competence in the world’s increasingly globalized communication ecology. With the rapid development of digital technology, more and more people can enjoy the benefits of ever-changing web-based technologies and social media. But at the same time, they are also faced with many new social, economic, political, psychological and cultural issues. What role can and should media education and media educators play in helping address some of these issues? In this article, the author discusses these issues within the intellectual and historical contexts of media ecology, media education, and media literacy. Included in the discussion are how the work of several key figures in media ecology such as McLuhan, Culkin, and Forsdale formed the foundation of some important aspects of media ecology in North America, Postman's thermostat view on media ecology and media education, as well as Meyrowitz’s concept of multiple media literacies. These issues are closely related to the notion of intercultural competence in the context of globalization.

Keywords：McLuhan, Postman, Meyrowitz, Media ecology, Media education, Media literacy,Intercultural competence, Social media, Globalization, Two curricula, Media as Faustianbargain, Homeostatic view

Casey Man Kong Lum, Professor of Communication and Founding Director of the M. A.in Professional Communication Program at William Paterson University, Member of NCSRC