Reflections from a Visiting Scholar

When I thought about doing a doctorate in another country, I imagined it would be very difficult due to the adaptation process, challenges in finding a place to live, and of course, the challenge of a new language. However, since I arrived on campus, I was welcomed by Dr. Renee Hobbs and also by Melissa from the OISS in such a caring way that I felt right at home.

In Brazil, I am doing a doctorate in Communication and Semiotics at PUC-SP, and my dissertation thesis will be on Media Literacy Practices in the classrooms of 8- to 10-year-olds. Renee was recommended to me by my Master's professor, Dr. Marcia Fusaro, and after reading one of her works, Discovering Media Literacy: Teaching Digital Media and Popular Culture in Elementary School, I decided to continue with the theme of Media Literacy.

I made my first contact with Renee by email, and right from the start, she proved to be very helpful, always assisting me and being available to answer any questions. As I said at the beginning, as soon as I arrived, I was welcomed on campus by Melissa from the OISS and the following week by Dr. Renee Hobbs. I realized then that my dream had come true and that I needed to dedicate myself a lot during these six months I would be in the US.

Promptly, Renee scheduled a day for our weekly meetings, which were always full of exchanges of experiences, reflections, and discoveries. She recommended some works by important authors for me to read, including Len Masterman, Faith Rogow, and Steven Goodman, wonderful books that have helped me a lot as support for my dissertation Thesis.

My follow-up by Renee was always permeated by questions for reflection aimed at improving my focus on the research. For me, many things were new, especially the objective of media literacy for children, which aims to protect against risks and dangers in the virtual environment, as I realized that in Brazil, Media Literacy is more focused on political issues.

During this period, in addition to focusing on my research, I had the great opportunity to participate in courses at the Media Education Lab. I loved the Conspiracy Theories course, taught by Professor Dr. Wesley Fryer. In this course, I was able to see how we live in a planetary way, as Edgar Morin says, because it is evident that we are facing the same challenges in different parts of the globe: disinformation, hate speech, and fake news. But fortunately, we find in media literacy a tool to combat these threats.

Right now, I'm participating in the Graduate Symposium, led by Professor Dr. Yonty Friesem. It is a free online program that brings together graduate students and researchers from the US and around the world. The goal is to create a learning community to develop a network of innovative research on various aspects of media education. This moment of exchanging experiences among researchers is wonderful; undoubtedly, the network of connections among researchers will be expanded and strengthened even more.

During the week of October 21-25, 2024, I also had the immense pleasure of participating in Media Literacy Week at Rhode Island PBS. This in-person event showcased the experiences and perspectives of educators and community members from Rhode Island, offering the opportunity to meet people who are leading the way in advancing Media Literacy in Rhode Island. The event was so engaging that we didn't want it to end, and many people are already looking forward to another meeting.

A very significant experience for me was undoubtedly the interviews conducted with Massachusetts teachers at the request of DESE. In this unique moment, I was able to learn about the most diverse ways of working with media literacy, talk to teachers and librarians about classroom dynamics, activities carried out, and the importance that each one attributes to media literacy. I'm eager to see the results of this work.

I would like to emphasize that the conversations I had with Renee and the contact with the entire Media Education Lab team were very horizontal, always involving the entire team to exchange ideas and experiences. This reminded me of Paulo Freire and the "Circle of Conversation." I believe that this is why the team maintains its success and prestige in the area of Media Literacy.

I am very grateful to God for this wonderful opportunity. I am returning to Brazil with the certainty of having acquired unique experiences here in Rhode Island. My heart is heavy, and I already miss it! I also want to thank the University of Rhode Island and the entire team involved in the process for international students. I am very grateful to have met Professor Dr. Renee Hobbs and the entire Media Education Lab team, as I not only learned media literacy techniques but also felt firsthand what it's like to be welcomed and helped. It was an exercise in humanity that will remain in my memory forever and should undoubtedly be part of an educational environment. I want to say goodbye with a verse of a Brazilian song called “Trem bala” (Bullet train) by Ana Vilela. It talks about valuing life, family, and friendships, because life is a bullet train about to leave. A small excerpt says: 

...It's not about reaching the top of the world and knowing you've won 

It's about climbing and feeling that the journey has strengthened you 

It's about being a shelter and also having a home in other hearts 

And thus having friends with you in all situations... 

https://www.letras.mus.br/ana-vilela/trem-bala/

God bless everyone!

Until next time!