INDEX TO THIS EDITION:

• CENTERpieces: news from & about the CML
• DOWNLOAD THIS!: links to Women's History Month, an AAUW report, two new Girl Scouts studies, and the pioneering newsletter Media Report to Women
• RESOURCES: this month we celebrate Women's History Month by presenting teaching resources on women, girls and the media
• CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: a technology activity for girls
• CML's NEW ADDRESS

1. NORMAN FELTON HONORED AT LIBRARY EXHIBIT & CML RECEPTION

Congratulations to our friend and colleague, Norman Felton, for his recognition within the 'Spies: Secrets from the CIA, KGB, and Hollywood' exhibit which recently opened at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA. Felton, the creator and executive producer of the 1960's hit television show, 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,' was honored for his spy-themed work along with series star, Robert Vaughn. The exhibit on America's history of intelligence gathering (and Hollywood's version of secret agents!) runs through July 14th. For more information, call: 805/522-2977.

Earlier this year, the Center for Media Literacy also honored Felton's support of our teacher training efforts with a reception in Santa Monica, CA. Joining the CML staff and Board at this celebration of the Felton Media Literacy Scholars Program were special guests Robert Kubey, Renee Hobbs, Cynthia Walker, and a delegation from the Korean Broadcasting Corporation.

2. CML FOUNDER REVAMPS MEDIA LITERACY TRAINING

CML founder Elizabeth Thoman recently retooled her acclaimed 'Crash Course in Media Literacy' to focus on issues of violence in the media and piloted it with a faculty team from Elliott Elementary School in Lincoln, NE. The school, which serves nearly 500 innercity children (who speak 23 different languages) was recently awarded one of the second year Media Literacy demonstration grants from the U.S. Department of Education.

3. EXPANDED MEDIA LITERACY CASE STUDY NOW ON-LINE

Take a fresh look at media literacy 'in action' as CML has re-posted our first case study, 'Establishing Media Literacy in a Catholic School Setting' onto a new web page featuring an expanded version (with additional research, pointers and lessons) -- and pictures. Check it out at: http://www.medialit.org/ReadingRoom/casestudies/cs'olm.html

In honor of National Women's History Month, CML has assembled research reports, teaching resources and activities centering on women, girls and the media. We hope this information helps you and your family, classroom or community organization celebrate females' role in media ' past, present and future.

1. NATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH WEBSITE

The National Women's History Project website includes the story behind National Women's History Month and provides inspiration for media educators to highlight the influential role of women in media today -- and throughout history. A listing of program ideas is provided, including working with local newspapers to develop articles about women from local history, and contemporary women working in comparable fields. Your original event or activity may even be posted on their Events Message Board. Take a look at: http://www.nwhp.org/whm/themes/themes.html

2. MAJOR NEW STUDIES EXPLORE GIRLS AND TECHNOLOGY

Although CML's gender-related resources focus primarily on media representation of women or girls, we've uncovered some valuable new reports on girls and technology that are particularly noteworthy for media educators. The first, published by The American Association of University Women, is titled 'Tech-Savvy: Educating Girls in the New Computer Age.' Offering fresh research and key recommendations, the full study may be purchased on their website for $11.95 or the executive report can be downloaded at: http://www.aauw.org/2000/techsexecsum.html

The relationship between girls and technology is further examined in two compelling studies conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute. 'The Girl Difference' contains important findings on how girls interact with computer technology. Offering a unique focus on the differences in girls' technology usage patterns, the discussion considers: the impact of parental encouragement; the role of race, gender and socioeconomic status; technological viewpoints of girls and boys; and the influence of technology design. Challenging commonly held beliefs about gender and technology, the study offers implications and issues to consider for future research Read the executive summary at: http://www.girlscouts.org/about/PDFs/girldifference.pdf

'Net Effect' looks at the complex issues and experiences teenage girls face on the Internet. And, more importantly, it offers practical suggestions for parents and caregivers on how to help this new 'Cyber Generation' deal with the positive and negative messages they receive through practices such as on-line chatting and browsing. An overview of the report including findings, conclusions and implications may be downloaded at: http://www.girlscouts.org/about/PDFs/NetEffects.pdf

3. MEDIA REPORT TO WOMEN STILL GOING STRONG

In the spirit of National Women's History Month, we'd like to congratulate the 'Media Report to Women' newsletter for providing over 30 years of provocative discussion about women and media. Presenting an important dialogue between female academicians who teach journalism and mass communication -- and the professional field of women journalists -- this quarterly covers the concerns and depiction of women in newspapers, magazines, TV, movies, the Internet and advertising. Now available on the web, this is a great resource site for young media scholars searching for interesting studies and historical perspectives. Visit their website at: http://www.mediareporttowomen.com

In honor of Women's History Month, the March 2002 'Sneak Peek' reviews our strongest teaching references on women, girls, and the media.

• New titles include, 'What a Girl Wants' video
• And a few classics on the subject include, 'The Beauty Myth,' 'Where the Girls Are,' and 'Gender, Race & Class in Media'

For full descriptions and ordering information, log onto: http://www.medialit.org/Catalog/sneakpeak/march2002.htm

And be sure to take a look at all of our new resources now on the web at: http://www.medialit.org/Catalog/newresources.htm

The Girl Scouts of America has really been busy in the area of girls and technology. And as an educational extension of the above reports, they sponsor 'Girls Go Tech,' an initiative to promote girls' interest in math, science and technology. A key part of the initiative is challenging corporations, nonprofits, educational institutions, government entities, policymakers, parents and families -- to do their part toward providing learning opportunities in these areas.

In addition, they've developed a fun on-line activity for girls in the age ranges of 5-8, 9-11 and 12-17. Through point-and-click animation, the game helps them identify different forms of technology in a common bedroom -- and related technology careers that may be of interest. For more information, log onto: http://www.girlsgotech.org

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The CENTER FOR MEDIA LITERACY is a non-profit organization established to promote critical thinking about the media and to provide leadership, training and resources for media education in schools, religious and community organizations. In the global media culture of the 21st century, we believe in "empowerment through education" for children, young people and adults. We rely on tax-deductible grants and individual donations to sustain and expand our work. Thank you for your support.

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS EFFECTIVE SEPT. 1, 2001: