Global Collaborations/Synergistic Relationships — The International Media Literacy Research Symposium

What happens when you bring people together in a common space to discuss media literacy and the world? Synergy.  This word is what to me encompasses what transpired at the 4^th International Media Literacy Research Symposium in Madison, Wisconsin.

After two years, the world at a standstill and so much of our lives devoted to online work versus face-to-face, this conference was a breath of much needed fresh air, innovative ideas, and mostly an amazing group of wonderful people together in the same space. It was, as many reflected to me in conversation or via emails –needed and joyful.  

The last scheduled International Media Literacy Research Symposium was to be in Porto, Portugal in June of 2020. As we were heading into March of that year, it was becoming very clear that the world was shifting into a space of many unknowns. As disappointing as it was to cancel that event, it was the right thing to do expressly because of the unprecedented times.

During the pandemic, Marieli Rowe, the former Executive Director of the then National Telemedia Council which has now been renamed International Council for Media Literacy and I had discussed what we would do next… what should happen next… and so much more.  Many ideas came from those conversations. As the months passed, it became quickly apparent that “Miss Marieli,” (as I liked to call her), would not be with us for the next rendition of this symposium.

As those early months and then year of the pandemic set in, it was evident that being online was not going to be enough for sustainable relationship building. While it served a purpose and it certainly opened up conversations as well as various collaborations, the need for people to people interaction was increasing. The idea of being present with ideas and to network in a way that was only possible when you sit across the table from one another was wanted, and even preferred.

This symposium carried the same intent for which it was originated: to bring together new and seasoned scholars, along with practitioners, into the same space to talk and disseminate information about and for media literacy education. Our world was showing us through various news events that it was pressing and needed. This point was stated at the symposium, but it is something that can be reemphasized over and over again.

As researchers, educators, graduate students, or interested parties, we all bring our ideas on how the media has shaped our world and our students. The discussion is global and widespread, reaching into various subject areas, educational settings, and universities, non-profits, and more. In those moments, where we sat together, ate together, or walked/talked together, we provided an outlet for each other about the work needing to be done as well as the work we were currently doing.  It was a renewal of friendships and a beginning to new ones.

We will always have a place for online learning and growth. Transformative learning can happen in virtual spaces and those opportunities should exist. There is no question that it has helped people to engage in a way that they had not been able to previously. However, it is equally important to provide these face-to-face moments which will continue to offer opportunities that are distinctive from the virtual space. As educators around the world have learned, not every learner learns digitally. In particular, being present in real time takes into account the people who do not wish to communicate over digital space, it considers the ideas of data surveillance, and it anticipates that growth is continuous. In the area of media literacy education that means in whatever place we wish it to have it happen.   

This symposium is an ideal for a community that wants to collaborate and extend their thinking beyond the four walls.  In these spaces where we gather, it serves as an outlet for creative thought, for the manifestation of ideas and the possibilities of what’s to come.

This Journal of Media Literacy provides a glimpse of work being researched and accomplished whether from a researcher, practitioner or both. It is my great hope that many of you who read this journal will consider joining us again June 27-28, 2024 in the Azores for another opportunity to grow the community and continue the work of media literacy education.