Role of educational media and e-literacy for the teacher and students of higher education in 21st century

 

Educational media and e-literacy are now essential parts of higher education. Teachers use videos, podcasts, interactive slides, and online platforms to explain ideas, give feedback, and organize group work. These tools turn large lecture halls into active learning spaces where students can watch short clips, answer quick polls, or edit shared documents. Yet the tools only help if teachers understand how to choose good content, check its accuracy, and match it to clear learning goals. This understanding is called e-literacy. It includes knowing how to respect copyright, protect personal data, and guide students to think critically about what they find online.

Students also need strong e-literacy. Every day they face social media posts, news feeds, and search engine results that may be biased or false. They must learn to ask: Who made this? Is the source reliable? Does it fit the topic? At the same time, students should practice creating their own media—blogs, videos, or data visualizations—that follow the same standards of honesty and clarity. These skills prepare them for future jobs that demand clear digital communication.

However, not every campus has fast Wi-Fi or enough laptops, and not every learner has quiet space at home. These gaps can leave some students behind. To prevent this, colleges should invest in reliable technology, offer short training sessions, and create small support teams made up of teachers, librarians, and technical staff. When everyone works together, educational media become more than flashy extras; they support deeper thinking, fair access, and lifelong learning in the twenty-first century.