A Provocation into Online Research, Media Litearcy, & #FakeNews

The content for this week’s provocation began with me investigating all this viral talk on #FakeNews. The more I researched, the more I came to two conclusions:

1. The need for educators to help students discern accurate sources is not new, though the stakes are getting higher if we don’t succeed.

2. Rather than focusing on the current FakeNews frenzy, it’s more valuable for us to step back and examine the big concepts surrounding the issue.

So yes, this provocation is useful if you’re wanting to talk to your students about Fake News. But more importantly, it’s more useful for helping your students recognize all that online research entails: the good, the bad, the ugly, and why all that matters for them.

Resource #1: “Where Things Come From”

Resource #2: What IS Media Literacy?

Resource #3: What is Media Literacy?

Another resource from TED_Ed on verifying factual news.

Provocation Questions:

  • Why do we ask questions?
  • How does online research compare with other research (from books, newspapers, etc.)?
  • How has online research changed over the years?
  • What is the power of information that can spread quickly?
  • What is our responsibility to cite and share accurate information?
  • Why are there different perspectives on what sources are trustworthy?
  • What role does social media play in research?

featured image: DeathToTheStockPhoto

4 Replies to “A Provocation into Online Research, Media Litearcy, & #FakeNews”

  1. Important post and information, Mary. I enjoyed the three videos. They highlight important discussions to have with other teachers, students and parents. An informed citizen must be one of the goals of education. How to be informed is a complex, and often perplexing, question in modern times.

  2. Mary- Thanks for this awesome post. I’m working on my Media Literacy planner and loved the thoughts and resources you shared here! As always- you’re right on!
    Miss You,
    Erica

    1. Erica!! It’s so good to hear from you, and I sure miss you, too! Thanks for the comment–I’m so glad this was timely and useful for you. I feel like it’s an issue that gets more complicated with every passing year, but at the very least, we can empower our students to recognize the need to ask questions! Hope you’re doing well!
      –Mary

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