Reinventing Media Literacy in Canada: Embracing and Transcending Eclecticism.

For some time, Canadian practices and experiences in the field of media literacy have been considered exemplary in comparison with developments in other national jurisdictions. At the same time, it would be a mistake to suggest that there is a single, coherent program or approach to media education in Canada. In this paper, we examine the difficulties this eclecticism has created and also note major institutional and ideological divisions which have undermined attempts to develop a coherent strategy for media education in Canada. In response to this situation, we examine how successful attempts to develop critical youth media production practices in informal, community-based learning environments offer important lessons that can inform how media literacy is developed in formal, school-based learning environments across the country. Given the long history of media literacy in Canada, we contend that this study of national practices and concerns can provide an important lens from which to envision the development of future media education initiatives in jurisdictions around the world. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]