UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Curriculum and Competency Framework (2011)
combines two distinct areas – media literacy and information literacy – under one umbrella term: media
and information literacy. Media literacy “emphasizes the ability to understand media functions, evaluate
how those functions are performed and to rationally engage with media for self-expression” (p. 18). On
the other hand, information literacy “emphasizes the importance of access to information and the
evaluation and ethical use of such information” (p. 18).
This curriculum and competency framework needs to be looked at, not only from the point of view of
residential education, but also from the open and distance e-learning (ODeL) perspective. ODeL tutors,
facilitators, and learners should understand the need to equip themselves with some skills in locating and
evaluating sources, assessing information, selecting and developing appropriate learning materials and
using tools and resources for facilitating and learning through ODeL. This will enable them to be more
responsible, ethical users and creators of messages through the e-learning mode.
Some policy and action agenda on curriculum development, instructional design, materials production,
course delivery and instruction, and student support services should therefore be seriously looked into to
ensure a more creative, innovative, learner-centered ODeL system in the Philippines.