With the explosion of media formats now available, teaching students how to critically analyze media is more important than ever. In this course, you will learn how media messages are constructed—not only through scripts, but also through production choices such as framing, editing, and music—and how these decisions influence interpretation and action.
In this free, hands-on course, you will also learn practical strategies for teaching students to critically examine how media is created, analyze production choices and their impact on messaging, develop a framework for evaluating media across a variety of formats, and prepare students to become both critical consumers and effective creators of media.
Number of Units: 0.5 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours
Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for KQED Teach Participants.
PLEASE READ ALL COURSE DETAILS
IMPORTANT: YOU MUST ENROLL WITH THE PARTNERED ORGANIZATION AND PAY ALL REQUIRED FEES BEFORE PURCHASING UNITS THROUGH USD.
University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information
The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.
Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways.
These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.
Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.
Directions to Enroll for Credit
Step 1: Register with the Partner Organization (KQED Teach) Complete your registration directly with the partner organization. Follow their instructions to begin the course and pay any required enrollment fees.
Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.
Step 2: Register for University Credit After confirming your registration with the partner organization, return to USD’s website.
If this course displays Request Information, it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment (please check the enrollment dates) or enrollment has already closed. If enrollment has closed, you may still contact the organization directly to see if they will accept a late enrollment or if the course will be offered again in the future.
Step 3: Complete the Course Participate fully in the course through the partner organization and complete all required assignments, activities, and assessments.
Step 4: Submit your Certificate of Completion After completing this course, you are required to submit your certificate of completion, which will be provided by your program. Please be sure to purchase your credits first, then email your certificate to [email protected], including the course number in your message.
Step 5: Receive Your Transcript Once your grade has been processed, USD will issue an official transcript reflecting your earned credit. Transcripts are mailed to the address listed in your USD student account.
Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.
Transcript Delivery Timeline:
For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.
Audience: K-12 educators in all subject areas who want to develop skills and confidence with media making and media literacy.
Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, less a $25 fee, if requested within 30 days of enrollment date. There will be no refunds for Credit Validation after the allotted 30 days. Refunds will not be issued once a grade has been assigned or after the 30-day period has passed.
Enrollment Open Through: December 31, 2026 (11:59pm PT)
Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.
The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.
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The University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education offers graduate-level extension credit for work completed in trainings, workshops, conferences, induction, credentials, and other professional development programs not offered directly by USD. Complete one of the above and a member of our division will help you earn credit for your hard work and dedication to continuing your education.
Earn credit for your previous work in trainings, workshops, and conferences through a simple process.
Save money by earning credit for work you completed and get one step closer to salary advancement.
Many receiving institutions may accept credits towards degree programs, giving you a head start in earning a graduate degree.
Learn practical skills from expert instructors to boost your resume or succeed in your current role.