You and the media

A           How big a part does the media play in your life? I would like everyone to make a media journal, so that we can find out and compare the way in which class members interact with the media.

Please download the form from 授業支援. On Monday, please use the form to record when, where and for how long you come into contact with media products.

              Note down:

• television programs and/or videos that you watch
• use of the Internet (including Twitter etc., and time spent online via your mobile phone)
• which radio stations you listen to
• what music you listen to (and how)
• which newspapers and magazines you read
• any computer programs you use
• other activities (For example, if you are watching television while you eat breakfast, write "eating breakfast"; if you check your Twitter account while talking with your friends, write "talking with friends". If you are interacting with the media and doing nothing else at the same time, for example if you are concentrating completely on your computer, write "none".)

              Record not only the media products that you choose to use, but also those that you see and hear around you, for example:

• adverts on billboards, buses and trains
• music in shops
• videos in shopping centres
• magazines in waiting rooms.

              How much time in total have you spent in contact with the media during this day?

              Why do you use the media in this way?

B           In class on Tuesday, there should be time for you to compare your diary with the diaries of other students and note the similarities and differences. To prepare for this, think about what the results of the comparison are likely to be.

              How much time do you expect other class members to spend in contact with the media?

              Do you expect other members of the class to use the media in the same way that you do? Why, or why not?

C           We will probably not have enough time to talk about this in class, but you might find it interesting to think about the number and different types of electronic media products you have at home, such as:

• television sets
• DVD recorders
• radios
• CD and mp3 players
• computers
• ipads etc.
• smart phones

Who are the main users of each product?
Who controls their use?
Who pays for them?
Do conflicts arise over their use or cost?