BANGKOK — The Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication at Thammasat University, a leading institution in media and communications education, is organizing an international academic seminar to mark its 70th anniversary.
The event on November 14-15, themed “Digital Media Literacy Movement: Glocalising Media Literacy in Cultural Contexts and Creating Communities for Building Connections,” held at Room JM402, 4th floor of the Faculty building at the Tha Prachan campus.
Assistant Professor Dr. Achara Panthranuwong, Dean of the Faculty, stated that the seminar aims to create a collaborative network for media literacy across Asia, Europe, and America.
“As we enter our 70th year as a professional media and communications institution, we recognize the rapid changes in the media ecosystem. This seminar serves as a platform to bring together media literacy experts from diverse backgrounds,” she said.
The event featured prominent speakers including Professor John Potter, Director of the Digital Media, Technology and Education Research Center from University College London, Professor Julian McDougall, Director of The Centre for Excellence in Media Practice (CEMP) at Bournemouth University, UK, and Professor Shin Mizukoshi from the Faculty of Sociology at Kansai University, Japan.
This academic gathering reflects the Faculty’s commitment to professional media education and its emphasis on media issues and diversity in an ever-changing media landscape. The seminar addressed various topics including active citizenship, civic engagement, and media education, focusing on developing awareness and understanding of media in all dimensions amid rapid technological changes.
Media Literacy Is Not a Solution
Professor Julian McDougall from Bournemouth University, UK, presented his insights on “Media Literacy for the Communication Ecosystem: A Theory of Change for A Healthier Future,” emphasizing a new approach to media literacy implementation.
“To facilitate positive change, we can position media literacy for help in the future if we stop two things: over-claiming and under thinking,” Professor McDougall stated. He emphasized that media literacy should not be viewed as a complete solution but rather as a process of change leading to an improved communication ecosystem and enhanced social well-being.
McDougall outlined a strategic approach focusing on empowering citizens to create positive changes within media ecosystems. “Our primary task is to situate media literacy through developing citizens’ capacity to effect positive changes in media ecosystems,” he explained. He stressed the importance of globalizing media literacy while considering cultural contexts and building connected communities.
The professor particularly emphasized the relationship between digital media literacy and societal diversity. “Digital media literacy fundamentally addresses how digital technology affects diversity and the challenges of social cohesion in our post-digital world,” he noted.
Crucial Role of Media Literacy
Professor Alice Y. L. Lee from Hong Kong Baptist University delivered a compelling presentation on “Media and Information Literacy Education in Hong Kong: The Collaborative Networks,” emphasizing the crucial role of media literacy in developing smart cities and enhancing social well-being.
“In this technology-driven society, as Hong Kong strives to become a smart city in the AI era, educators have a responsibility to guide young citizens through these transformations,” Professor Lee stated. “Media literacy must be integrated into classrooms through collaborative efforts involving government agencies, parents, religious groups, and academics.”
Lee emphasized that media literacy serves as a fundamental building block for broader knowledge development and requires multi-stakeholder collaboration. She highlighted several contemporary challenges facing society, including the evolving roles of social media, mass media, and citizens, along with social diversity and the increasing influence of AI in information dissemination and daily life.
Media Literacy in AI-dominated Era
During a panel discussion on “Technology AI enhances active citizens’ capability for civic participatory,” experts explored the challenges of building media literacy in an AI-dominated era. The discussion covered AI’s impact across education, careers, and politics in different countries, examining both benefits and potential drawbacks.
For Thailand’s media landscape, the focus is on encouraging media producers to return to fundamental principles regarding media impact. The key question posed was how media production can contribute to positive social development while utilizing available tools and technologies responsibly.
“This collaborative network approach to driving media literacy in educational spaces is crucial for achieving digital well-being in the future,” Professor Lee concluded, emphasizing the importance of preparing society for technological advancement while maintaining social responsibility.
The presentation highlighted how media literacy initiatives must adapt to rapid technological changes while fostering critical thinking and responsible media consumption in diverse cultural contexts.
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