An Explorations in Media Ecology appreciative inquiry: Onward and upward

This article combines appreciative inquiry (AI) as well as digital object interviewing and other constructs from the field to examine Explorations in Media Ecology (EME) in its online format. It provides an in-depth review of the journal and its issues produced over the past twenty years. The article surveys EME’s editorial advances and transitions, its coverage of the media environment, its interdisciplinary range, along with its demographics and reach. Throughout this article, EME’s digital publication speaks for itself describing its own strengths and opportunities as manifested since its origination. Along the way, this article utilizes anecdotes and quotes from EME’s contributors that illuminate and support the survey results. Finally, this article through these quotes, gives EME a voice; it offers suggestions to build on its strengths and make use of opportunities for an onward and upward future.

An Explorations in Media Ecology appreciative inquiry: Onward and upward

Cheyunski

2021

Dealing with dystopia: Freire’s Gnostic cycle and media ecology in a post-pandemic world

Cheyunski

2022

In recent years, commentators have characterized the disruptive social occurrences and technological changes as dystopic. As we attempt to address and deal with this melee of events with their associated emotions and reactions, this article mines media ecology literature, the work of renowned Brazilian educator, Paulo Freire, and other sources to propose some answers and choices for the path forward. More specifically, this article defines dystopia and describes Freire’s Gnostic cycle, which is comprised of active research, learning and teaching as a possible antidote. It highlights media ecology articles complementary to Freire that may be further leveraged. Finally, the article focuses on Freire’s Gnostic cycle in offering suggestions regarding future media ecology work to contribute in building a post pandemic world.

Celebrating and extending the literary roots of media ecology: Spiralling forward and upward in our times

Cheyunski

2024

Many in recent years have been seeking solace and illumination due to trying circumstances by various means including reading. McLuhan’s broad pursuits in literature and into other written materials played an important part in the origins of media studies. This article reviews various sources to confirm as well as advocate further celebration and extension of these literary roots. Moreover, it highlights a recent translation of Machado de Assis’s classic Brazilian novel Brás Cubas as a gateway to increased use of world literature and other diverse sources. To advance McLuhan’s and other foundational works, those involved with media ecology should consider incorporating different recently available fiction and non-fiction more extensively. Such a widening of references could help broaden perspectives, foster additional insights, and help in spiralling the field forward and upward in our times.