Bytes Of Wisdom: My MIL Quest
“We need a lot more critical thinking and media criticism taught in schools at a very early age.”
John Stauber author of “The Best War Ever”
By Maika Quilala, from 16YP-2
Lost in the chaotic whirlwind of tweets, posts, and articles, I found myself questioning everything I thought I knew.
Picture this: you’re scrolling through your feed, drowning in a sea of headlines, memes, and clickbait. It hits you — how do you separate fact from fiction?
That’s easy! MIL is just around the corner. You know, media and information literacy — it’s like your secret weapon in the digital jungle.
Media and Information Literacy is about giving people the knowledge and abilities they need to interact with media and information responsibly and productively. It’s the ability to use, understand, create, and produce media and information. Evaluating the credibility, accuracy, and objectivity of sources is also one of the core competencies of MIL. (Reineck, 2015)
Not only did this course help reshape my academic pursuits, but it also honed my character, fueling a hunger for knowledge, a thirst for truth, and a commitment to integrity.
It’s more than a subject — it’s a mindset, shaping me into a sharper, more discerning thinker.
CHAPTER 1: IMPACT
I have always been an auditory, visual, and kinesthetic type of learner. I absorb more about the topic whenever I hear, or speak or if the information is presented via charts, presentations, videos, photos, you name it. Ever since I was a child, I have loved doing hands-on activities, I learn best by doing and I get fidgety if I’m forced to sit for long periods.
Luckily, my professor, Mr. Rafael Santos (Sir Raffy for short) never fails to make sure that I understand every topic in the course through various assignments, projects/tasks. These tasks I’m about to mention have helped me not just in academics, but build my character as well.
- Group Research
One excellent technique used by my professor to add some fun to our study sessions is to conduct research as a group.
Everyone thinks more creatively and communicates more effectively when they work in a team. Study group participants are shown to feel more confident in reaching their academic goals.
It also aids in avoiding procrastination. Students can surround themselves with motivated, sincere colleagues who can help them get things started, rather than giving in to the pressure to put off duties. (Gallup, 2022)
My first collaborative research work in the course was a great learning experience. I got to work with my partner on a case study about strange media use. We wanted to prove that social media and gaming (when used excessively) could negatively affect a person’s overall well-being. This took a lot of research, patience, dedication, communication, and commitment.
I vividly remember staying up late just to make sure our outline was ready, re-reading and processing the information we gathered whether online or not. Then it came to mind! I’m applying and enhancing my cognitive skills, just like what Sir Raffy mentioned. I learned how to gather, examine, and conclude data results collected from our interviewees.
Additionally, I learned how to adjust to different situations. Why this? Because you can have a terrific interview, the person is pleasant, speaks with you, provides the essential information, and the time is up. However, another option is to have a yes/no person, which makes the task more difficult and time-consuming. Finally, another example is a person who replies to you quickly and says no, no, no, then filters all of the questions you prepared, the interview lasts 15 minutes, and you have no idea what further to say or ask. Dealing with uncomfortable situations is undoubtedly difficult, and for some people, it may be the worst.
I realized that the best thing I can do is to adjust and adapt to each person. I have to respect that we are all unique in this world.
Furthermore, we also conducted research on fake news in the Philippines and pinoy baiting. While researching further into our research on fake news, I learned that Media literacy is very crucial to our nation. We should all be responsible users of media.
In today’s world, it is tough to tell the difference between fake and true news. Many untrustworthy social media accounts spread false information, but there are also many genuine sources. Instead of using social media as our primary source of information, we can turn to print media. For example, we can use newspapers.
The most important way to prevent fake news is to be responsible about what we view and post. Simply posting and engaging with false information can have a significant impact on how we think and make decisions. Stopping disinformation requires a joint and individual effort from everyone.
In other words, we must be media literate. It promotes knowledge and liberation among Filipinos. Media literacy has the potential to improve the situation in the Philippines. To effect this shift, we require good education.
I am fortunate to have a school topic dedicated to media literacy, which will be valuable to me both now and in the future. As a result, I will be able to make better judgments, as well as elect the future leaders of the country.
Last but not least, manipulative media. We were able to research pinoy baiting, manipulative media tactics, such as clickbait, which are prevalent across various online platforms.
We wanted to dig deeper into the meaning of “pinoy baiting”, and raise awareness by shining light on this issue. Our goal was to empower individuals to evaluate the content they consume online and advocate for a responsible and respectful representation of Filipino culture.
With the country’s strong social media presence, countless local businesses continue to compete tooth and nail for international endorsers and foreign content creators to create reaction videos about things Filipino. Our culture’s recognition and presentation on a worldwide scale is unquestionably exhilarating, but “Pinoy pride” may be both a blessing and a curse if we turn a blind eye.
I believe that the Philippines doesn’t need publicity from shady creators. We have so many talented, world-class creators and personalities who make our nation proud and make us stand out. (Cruz, Jostol, 2021).
We were able to collaborate and develop our interpersonal skills during our collaborative research. Brainstorming and analyzing the information we got from research about different YouTubers who post content online to attract us Filipinos with my fellow researchers was a great way to show critical and logical thinking.
2. Group Presentations
Another effective strategy used by my MIL professor was assigning group presentations. One of the abilities I got to enhance and develop was my speaking abilities. Whether speaking in front of an audience, receiving feedback, or collaborating with my group mates, I got to practice communicating my ideas clearly and persuasively.
As an auditory and visual learner, group presentations are helpful to students. They give us students ownership of what we’ve learned, engage students in the learning content, and urge them to actively participate in learning about the presented topic, whether through visual or audio aids. (Oprandi, 2020)
In our group reporting, we got to tackle the different functions and theories of the press during the EDSA revolution. We mentioned how The Media was truly impactful to the EDSA People Power revolution. Even after years of being oppressed, the Press showed and informed the people of what was happening during the 4-day revolution. Other groups reported as well which made me understand better the state of the press/media in that era.
Our professor would also give us feedback and follow-up questions that helped me learn and grow from what I could’ve done better; asking questions right after every report kept my thoughts and insights running. I learned how to express myself through my answers without hesitating, thanks to Sir Raffy. I always keep in mind what he says for future reports.
3. Fun Activities!
Here comes my favorite part! MIL activities :)
As a kinesthetic learner, whenever Sir Raffy would announce that there would be an upcoming activity, I would twirl and jump around feeling like my 3-year-old kindergarten self again. I would always volunteer to bring the materials needed (that’s how excited I get).
Hands-on activities allow students to interact with real-world materials, solve issues, conduct experiments, and work on collaborative projects. This active participation enables students to develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving talents, and a better comprehension of the subject.
Instead of restless legs, wandering thoughts, and dozing off during class, they get to tackle challenges alongside classmates, delving into a “gamification” structure that encourages — or even directly endorses, depending on the instructor’s techniques — competition as each student tries to be the first to create a result or otherwise answer a challenge using their materials. (NewSchool Architecture and Design, 2019)
One of the most memorable activities we did in class was the “storms of life” activity. We were instructed to bring a plastic cup, some cotton balls, leaves, and small pieces of paper. We then were told to put these items inside the plastic cup and give it a little blow. Each item represented 3 important aspects of our lives — body, mind, and spirit. The plastic cup represents the human being, the cotton balls represent the body, the small leaves represent the mind, and the pieces of paper represent the spirit.
Every time my seatmates and I blew the cup, it toppled over. I was able to grasp the importance of taking care of these aspects. To stand tall, I need a good base; a foundation. To strike a balance in oneself and to “withstand the storms of life” is to find the equilibrium of health and prosperity in body, mind, and spirit. Without all these aspects/elements and their balance, we topple over.
Speaking about balance, one of the major lessons I’ve learned while doing hands-on activities was how to manage and balance my time wisely.
Sir Raffy, my professor in MIL brought a fishbowl, sand, pebbles, beads, and rocks to class. We were asked to make all the materials fit in the bowl utilizing every piece, without letting it overflow. We ended up filling the bowl with the smallest pieces first, followed by the big rocks. When the time was up, I noticed that some of the items weren’t able to fit inside due to how the materials were placed. At that moment it hit me — this activity encapsulates a lesson about the importance of prioritization and time management. The rocks represented the most significant tasks and priorities, the pebbles symbolized secondary tasks, and the sand stood for the smaller, less critical tasks. If we begin by putting the minor jobs (sand) or even the secondary ones (pebbles) into the jar, there may be insufficient space for the crucial duties. (Newsom, 2023)
Many people find that tackling the sand and pebbles is easier, so they put off dealing with the rocks until later, only to realize at the end of the day that they haven’t finished their most critical tasks, which could have made the biggest difference.
In this course, I’ve learned that determining what tasks to prioritize first could help me save time and become more productive; another major takeaway that has been helping me with my studies.
Lastly, we did a little “showcase” as a class to present what we learned from our topic on visual design and photography. We were tasked to create a photography portfolio wherein we submit recent photos we took, identify the different elements seen in each picture, and design the portfolio. The next task was to create an exhibit board to showcase some of the photos we took. We agreed on a Philippine map design, where the photos were pinned to the board and tied with a string connecting to the place where it was taken. I was in charge of designing the overall layout, as I was doing this project, some skills I noticed I applied were creativity and teamwork. I was able to communicate, work with others, share my ideas, and participate in projects and tasks.
There are numerous major issues facing society that must be addressed. (global warming, the plastic crisis, overcrowding, diseases, pandemics!) Mathematicians, politicians, and scientists, like painters and actors, require creative thinking skills. So, creativity is the one universally important skill that enables all humans to make changes and live happy and fulfilling lives. (Holmes, 2022)
Learning photography helps to stretch that creativity. It encourages me to think of new ideas and new perspectives to create beautiful images. This activity/strategy of learning gives us the spark to try new ideas and think outside the box — another important lesson that will benefit me in the future.
CHAPTER 2: ACQUIRED SKILLS
21st-century competencies are associated with growth in the cognitive, interpersonal, and intrapersonal domains. (Sayani, 2020)
In MIL I learned that a skill is described as the capacity to complete tasks and solve issues, whereas a competency is defined as the ability to apply learning outcomes effectively in a specific environment (school, personal, or professional development). A competency involves more than just cognitive elements (the application of theory, concepts, or tacit knowledge); it also includes functional features (technical skills), interpersonal traits (e.g., social or organizational skills), and ethical principles. A competency is thus a larger concept that might include intrapersonal abilities (as well as attitudes, knowledge, and so on).
In this chapter, I will talk about how I was able to develop these 3 skills and how effective they were in tasks I haven’t tackled.
One project that required me to apply all these skills was the audio podcast I worked on for about 2 weeks. It took a lot of preparation and research. My partner and I started with an outline; brainstorming, putting both our thoughts on our objective (to promote the university’s 6-year program) together, and then we started drafting. I realized that without both of our cooperation on this project, it would be very hard, working together as a team is important.
Our podcast wouldn’t be convincing and accurate without our reliable information. We conducted interviews with the members and staff of the university (students, professors, mentors, and administrators) to get more information about this program and why future dragons should consider taking this program. While interviewing them, I was able to demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviors. It required me to listen, focus, think quickly, and respond appropriately to what the other person says. Listening and trying to appreciate where the other person is coming from is also an exercise in empathy and discovering how to connect. When students prepare for an interview, they must assess what they don’t know (a metacognitive talent) and learn a lot about the interview topic; otherwise, the interview will be awkward. (Clapman, 2020)
Furthermore, I was able to edit my first podcast and it was a challenging but great experience. I love editing videos so I thought I could try editing our audio podcast. It was hard at the start but as I continued to watch more tutorials it became a piece of cake. I put my blood, sweat, and tears into editing the final product. Staying up until midnight for a couple of days was worth it because we were proud of the outcome. The most challenging part for me was choosing what kind of SFX I should use — who knew this would be the hardest?!
This podcast was an effective way to improve my communication, social, and critical thinking skills. I’m thankful I was given the opportunity to create my first podcast.
Introducing NIQs — my trusty tool this school year. :)
Another strategy my professor taught me was how to take notes efficiently. Throughout my 11 years of studying; I’ve never been taught about this method of learning. Out of all the strategies/ techniques for learning, writing NIQs (notes, insight, and questions) has been the most effective for me.
When writing NIQs, I start by writing down lecture notes. It’s like creating a shortened version of a text or lecture. I don’t have to comb through pages of text. Taking good notes when listening to a lecture saves me from having to pause, rewind, or rewatch when I need information. Instead, I can quickly review my notes and understand the main points.
After writing and summarizing my notes, I write my insights about each topic. This helps me assess myself on what I realized and learned; it became a safe place to express my thoughts and write my opinions. If ever I wanted to clarify things, writing questions was the solution. Although I never really had to clarify anything about our topics, It’s always great to know that your professor has your back.
Using this technique, I was able to improve my cognitive, interpersonal, and intrapersonal skills.
My ability to compose, express, and summarize my ideas proves that I was able to acquire cognitive thinking. Submitting my NIQs on time improved my punctuality, which is an interpersonal skill. I would always make sure that I submitted my NIQs on time, and I would make sure that the content delivered good quality. Active listening, persistence, the ability to focus and avoid distractions — these are skills I got to improve on while doing my NIQs. These skills promote a growth mentality, which sees challenges as opportunities. A growth mentality perseveres in the face of failure, accepts criticism, and believes that people may change to realize their full potential.
NIQs helped me in my essay outlines and drafts. I remember doing an essay writing task on the movie “The Post” (great movie by the way!) which is all about the importance of an unfettered and independent press that still resonates today. I was able to gather and write my thoughts easily since I had already written some of my notes and insights on the movie.
It transformed the way I absorbed, processed, and applied knowledge — just like how MIL did.
As I embark on the next chapter of my academic and personal journey, I carry with me the invaluable lessons learned from MIL — a compass guiding me through the digital age, empowering me to become the best person I can be. With each step forward, I am confident that the skills and insights gained from MIL will continue to illuminate my path, transforming me into a stronger person both in academia and beyond.
To one of the best mentors — thank you Sir Raffy for making this school year memorable. You have inspired me to change for the better. 16YP2 batch ‘23-’24 is very grateful for you, we love you, sir!
REFERENCES
Clapman, L. (2020, April 20). Learning to interview builds a range of communication skills. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/learning-interview-builds-range-communication-skills/
Gallup, P. (2022, April 5). Why research is more effective in groups — Scientific Notebook company. https://snco.com/why-research-is-more-effective-in-groups/
Holmes, R. (2022, January 10). 5 Reasons Why Learning Photography is Great for Kids and Teens. Rebecca Holmes Photography. https://rebeccaholmesphotography.com/5-reasons-why-learning-photography-is-great-for-kids-and-teens/
Newsom, A. (2023, August 28). The Parable of Rocks in a Jar: A lesson in leadership. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/parable-rocks-jar-lesson-leadership-j-andy-newsom
Oprandi, P. (2020, October 20). Online group presentations — educational enhancement. Educational Enhancement. https://blogs.sussex.ac.uk/tel/2020/10/20/online-group-presentations/#:~:text=For%20example%3A,students%20ownership%20of%20their%20learning
Sayani, S. A. (2020, March 9). 21st century learning. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/21st-century-learning-sumair-a-sayani
UA&P. (2023, January 20). Rafael I. Santos — UA&P. UA&P — Unitas. https://uap.asia/faculty/rafael-i-santos
What Are The Benefits Of Hands-On Learning? — NewSchool of Architecture & Design. (2024, January 11). NewSchool of Architecture & Design. https://newschoolarch.edu/what-are-the-benefits-of-hands-on-learning/