In Digital literacies for online learning (LiDA101) we explored frameworks for evaluating the credibility and reliability of scholarly online resources. However, media literacy also requires that you develop web skills for fact-checking in the contemporary digital world of “fake news”.
Practical example
Consider for example, this reflection published by Maha Bali on a falsification story that circulated through social media in Egypt. It is not clear what the original intentions of the falsifier were, but this provides a practical illustration of the importance of the skills of discernment when viewing online media.
Prescribed text
The following text is prescribed for this learning pathway:
- Caulfield, M. A. (2017). Web Literacy for Student Fact-Checkers.
You can use the online version, download the pdf version or epub version.
Michael Caulfield is Director of Blended and Networked Learning at Washington State University, Vancouver, USA. He is also editor of the New Horizons column for EDUCAUSE Review. Mike is the author of the prescribed text for this learning pathway.
What do you think professional fact checkers do on the web that ordinary members of the pubic don’t? Share you thoughts and tips for becoming an accomplished web reader by posting a note on WENotes.
You must be logged in to post to WEnotes.
Note: Your comment will be displayed in the course feed.
Read part 1, Four moves and a habit, of Caulfield, M. A. (2017). Web Literacy for Student Fact-Checkers. In this introduction, Mike suggests four strategies and a valuable tip in checking your emotions.
The four moves are listed below with corresponding examples of the techniques you can apply.
| Move |
Example technique[1] |
| Look for trusted / previous work |
|
| Go upstream to the source |
|
| Read laterally |
-
Check Wikipedia background on organisation
-
If Wikipedia coverage doesn’t exist, check for Google news coverage of the organisation
|
| Circle back |
- If you hit a dead end, back up and start over knowing what you know now.
|
Reference
- ↑ Adapted from Caufield, M. 2018. Civix releases new online media literacy videos.
In Digital literacies for online learning (LiDA101) we explored frameworks for evaluating the credibility and reliability of scholarly online resources. However, media literacy also requires that you develop web skills for fact-checking in the contemporary digital world of “fake news”.
Practical example
Consider for example, this reflection published by Maha Bali on a falsification story that circulated through social media in Egypt. It is not clear what the original intentions of the falsifier were, but this provides a practical illustration of the importance of the skills of discernment when viewing online media.
Prescribed text
The following text is prescribed for this learning pathway:
You can use the online version, download the pdf version or epub version.
Meet Mike Caulfield
Michael Caulfield is Director of Blended and Networked Learning at Washington State University, Vancouver, USA. He is also editor of the New Horizons column for EDUCAUSE Review. Mike is the author of the prescribed text for this learning pathway.
What do you think professional fact checkers do on the web that ordinary members of the pubic don’t? Share you thoughts and tips for becoming an accomplished web reader by posting a note on WENotes.
You must be logged in to post to WEnotes.
Note: Your comment will be displayed in the course feed.
Four moves and a habit
Read part 1, Four moves and a habit, of Caulfield, M. A. (2017). Web Literacy for Student Fact-Checkers. In this introduction, Mike suggests four strategies and a valuable tip in checking your emotions.
The four moves are listed below with corresponding examples of the techniques you can apply.
Look for coverage in Google News archive search
Scan for fact-checking sites
Follow links to the source
Use reverse image search to source a photo
Check Wikipedia background on organisation
If Wikipedia coverage doesn’t exist, check for Google news coverage of the organisation
Reference
Dynamic Coalition Partner
Dynamic Coalition Partner
Dynamic Coalition Partner