I just finished creating a lesson that involves using Web 2.0 and other social media tools to determine if the news and information being read and shared on social media is real or fake. I think that the ability to think critically about the information that we consume and that we share for others to consume is super important. As awesome as the internet is and as great as it is to be so connected to our family, friends and peers, it is also ripe for abuse related to confirmation bias especially as we all participate as prosumers.
Now obviously I am on one side or the other of the “right and left” as most of us are and this of course affects media that I consume and trust but I do from time to time seek out the other side to see what kinds of things are being reported and to try and get out of my own bubble. Granted, I do scoff and laugh and what I encounter, but at least I am trying. And I do understand that the things that I see that tickle my own confirmation bias in good ways are doing just that and I can separate myself from those and understand that intent. I am also aware enough to think critically about every resource I see and recognize the red flags that mean I need to dig deeper, research and understand if the truth is actually being reported. I don’t think anyone in America is unaware of the idea of “fake news” these days. But what can we do? We can become responsible consumers and prosumers of media. As more and more of our students learn about the world around them through news shared on social media, I don’t think we can underscore the need for them to have this same self-awareness of their own confirmation bias as I shared above about my own. And for them to also be able recognize red flags and investigate further before sharing and perpetuating something that is simply put out there to prey on confirmation bias for the purpose of clicks that line the pockets of the creators of nonsense. In my opinion, there has been a shift in the information age that may lead us all down a dark path towards an Orwellian future where people tell us what is real and what is fake and we are expected to believe that or else. Education, critical thinking and the support of those who are risking themselves to tell the truth are the keys to combat this. Educators must ensure that students have the metacognitive tools to know what is real and why. What’s even scarier is that even this very idea of education and critical thinking seems to be under attack.
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About this blogA simple exploration of Web 2.0 and social media and their applications to education; an attempt to learn how prosumers are shaping the internet and how educators can capitalize on it. ArchivesAbout MeNature grrl; loves dogs, books, traveling, clouds, technology, thrifting, break beats and good beer. |