Confronting Misinformation, Disinformation and Mal-information
Overview
About This Lesson
This is the fifth lesson in a unit designed to help teachers have conversations with students about media literacy in a critical, reflective and constructive way. Use these lessons to help students reflect on the changing media and information landscape; understand how this landscape impacts individuals, communities and society; and consider how they can thoughtfully and responsibly engage with content they encounter online and in print. This learning can also help them become conscientious content creators. Supporting students to develop as critical consumers and creators of information is vital for their well-being, their relationships and our democracy.
This lesson introduces students to the different types of false, misleading and manipulative content in circulation, and helps them consider what they can do to avoid believing in, and sharing, such content. In the activities, students reflect on how false information spreads, are introduced to the terms ‘misinformation’, ‘disinformation’ and ‘mal-information’, and learn about the techniques used to spread these types of information disorder. Students then discuss and evaluate ways to respond to misinformation, disinformation and mal-information, and reflect on how they will use what they have learnt to shape their consumption/engagement habits going forward.
Preparing to Teach
A Note to Teachers
Before teaching this lesson, please review the following information to help guide your preparation process.
Lesson Plans
Activities
Extension Activities
Materials and Downloads
Confronting Misinformation, Disinformation and Mal-information
Exploring the Impact of Social Media
Countering Conspiracy Theories and Extremism
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