Scientific media education emerged as a response to educational questions and tasks arising from the spread of mass media. However, with the advancement of computer- and network-based media, media education has had to develop an expanded understanding of media. Media education is changing its face.

It is therefore time for a status assessment. This is undertaken in the present yearbook from various aspects and positions.

Media education is a scientific research and activity field anchored in educational sciences, which aims to consider an ever-expanding spectrum of media phenomena while establishing connections to a variety of other disciplines. It addresses both a specialized topic and a cross-cutting theme within educational science. Consequently, it distinguishes itself from other sub-disciplines of educational science on one hand, while also engaging with their thematic areas on the other. It is not surprising, then, that it presents itself as highly heterogeneous, both in its theoretical approaches and methodological access as well as in its subjects. Thus, it manifests as a pluralistic and vibrant discipline, whose strength lies in being open and receptive to societal challenges.