Conceptualization of media competence as an "augmented competence"

Abstract

Introduction: The ever-progressing transformation of the media as a result of digitization trends, the new characteristics of the communication environment and the associated communication practices and forms of user behaviour result in new educational needs and demands. Their reassessment in the context of current scientific discourses takes the form of revision and redefinition of the concept of media competence. Methodology: through a reflexive analysis of the concepts and models, we present the conceptualization of media competence as an extended competence to the area of personal, social, cultural and civic competencies. Results: The result of the work is a reassessment of conceptual positions in the projection of features of media competence in the context of the significant phenomena of the converged digital environment: participatory paradigm, hyperconnectivity, proliferation of disinformation. This approach requires the extension of skills and abilities in accessing, evaluating, analyzing, creating and communicating news and media; skills combining the previous forms of literacy and skills of digital environment (Livingstone, 2004; Pérez Tornero, Celot, Varis, 2007; Hobbs, 2008). Discussion: Our approach is associated with broader educational demands and needs aimed at the development of the individual´s personality in a more holistic way, connected with the more complex needs of a society where media presence is higher. Conclusions: The changes in the subject of ´Learning about the media´ are resassed at the end of the paper.