Case Study · Multiliteracies
Championing Digital and Media Literacy
Helping learners think critically, create responsibly, and participate confidently in digital culture.
ROLE
Learning Designer · Media-Literacy Advocate
AUDIENCE
1,200+ Employees · University Learners
FORMATS
eLearning · Video · Blogs · Film Festival
PURPOSE
Think Critically · Create Responsibly
OVERVIEW: For more than a decade, I have designed digital- and media-literacy experiences that help workplace and university learners move beyond passive consumption. Through eLearning, practical resources, and collaborative media projects, learners build the judgment and confidence to think critically, create responsibly, and participate meaningfully in digital culture.
Digital Dialogue: Enhancing Workplace Literacy
With a growing awareness of the importance of digital literacy in professional settings, I spearheaded the creation of a series of digital literacy videos and blog posts tailored for our 1200+ employees. These resources focused on promoting best digital practices, enhancing workflow, and fostering an environment of continuous learning and improvement. The series became a cornerstone of our digital literacy initiative, offering accessible and practical advice for navigating the digital workplace.
“I just wanted to say thank you and let you know how impressed I was with the Teams training! It was so helpful and easy to understand…Thanks for looking at ways to meet learning needs in a flexible and agile way – it worked!”
Launi Skinner · President & CEO · First West Credit Union
Engaging Digital Citizens
Recognizing the critical need for mindful digital citizenship, I developed comprehensive eLearning modules that were both informative and engaging. Utilizing Articulate Storyline, these modules were enhanced with animated characters and humor, making the learning process enjoyable and effective. The aim was to cultivate a culture of responsible digital engagement, equipping employees with the knowledge and skills to act as informed citizens in the digital domain.
21st Century Multiliteracies and the HEFF
The Hanyang English Film Festival (HEFF) served as a practical application of digital literacy in a creative and collaborative setting. As Chair of the Organizing Committee, I navigated the festival through significant challenges, including budget cuts and reduced incentives. Despite these obstacles, we focused on the intrinsic educational value of the festival, promoting multiliteracies and collaboration. The success of HEFF underscored the importance of digital literacy in fostering engagement and community, ultimately being recognized as an exemplar of digital literacy in action.
When the Prize Money Ran Out
The festival began in 2013 and was so successful that it quickly attracted generous funding. Shortly before I took over as Committee Chair for 2016, a major source of that funding was withdrawn. Prize money fell to less than half of what it had been, and there was no longer any money to pay faculty members for emceeing or judging.
To keep students interested, I proposed a Certificate of Merit for every student who took part: an HYU initiative recognizing excellence in collaborating and communicating with 21st-century literacies. The president of Hanyang University agreed to sign it. I also worked closely with administration, the organizing committee and faculty, and made two videos to promote the festival, including the multiliteracies video above.
Colleagues called the 2016 festival “the best HEFF ever,” and in a break with tradition I was asked to chair the committee again in 2017.
The 2016 HEFF organizing committee on festival night, May 17, 2016.
See the Certificate of Merit
A sample of the certificate every participating student received, signed by the President of Hanyang University. The name on the sample is my own Korean name, Kim Dae-han.
Reflecting on a Decade of Advocacy
Across courses, videos, eLearning modules, and festival organization, the through-line has stayed constant: helping people understand and appreciate the role media plays in their lives. These efforts have strengthened individual digital competency while contributing to a broader conversation about the importance of media literacy in an increasingly digital world.
Looking Forward
The work in digital and media literacy advocacy continues to evolve, driven by the rapid pace of technological change and the ever-growing impact of digital media on society. The experiences and lessons learned over the past decade serve as a foundation for future endeavors, with the ultimate aim of empowering individuals to navigate the digital landscape with confidence, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility.
THE CHOICE IS YOURS
Possible Next Steps