Executive Summary
The Media Impact course at the Canadian University of Dubai introduces models and theories of media psychological effects. Models such as the selective effects models, knowledge gap models, empathy models, consumerism models, framing and agenda setting models are considered and examined. Students are encouraged to further their knowledge by evaluating the effect of media on world issues such as literacy, climate change, human rights, and large scale conflicts, in relation to media psychology. Erudite is currently organizing an event on whether Electronic Media is making us more or less illiterate. The debate is organized by a group of nineteen students, in which five subgroups have been divided amongst the students. The five sub-groups include, situation analysis, research, event planning and management, branding and promotion, and the debate teams (for, against, and the moderator).
Erudite's mission is to allow every student to have access to memberships in the National Speech & Debate Association, providing the educational resources, competitive opportunities, and expertise necessary to foster their communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creative skills. The company aims to provide participating students a valuable educational activity with a primary emphasis on intercollegiate debate competition, and to educate the Canadian University of Dubai community with a clear understanding on the respected matter. In order to do so, Erudite has highlighted seven goals that we plan on targeting through the event.
1. To educate students and faculty on the pros and cons of media in terms of literacy and illiteracy.
2. To educate students and faculty on whether media may result in becoming literate or illiterate.
3. To educate students and faculty on the importance of media affecting us in terms of literacy and illiteracy.
4. To increase awareness by social media mentions using designated event hashtags on at least three social media platforms for advocacy.
5. To drive traffic to the event by at least having 60 attendees.
6. To attract 10% more attendees than our C2HR.
7. To analyze the extent at which media exposure makes an individual less or more illiterate.
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The research group have delved deep into the topic ignorer to investigate the extent at which electronic media affects literacy. Erudite is also investigating how electronic media affects the literacy rates of people in the United Arab Emirates region, in order to better relate the matter to the target community.