Course Summary
In this course, you will learn how to critically analyze information and navigate the post-truth world we live in. Through a series of interactive modules, you will develop the skills needed to empower yourself and make informed decisions.Key Learning Points
- Learn how to identify fake news and propaganda
- Develop critical thinking skills
- Understand the psychological factors that contribute to the spread of misinformation
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Develop critical thinking skills to identify fake news and propaganda
- Understand the psychological factors that contribute to the spread of misinformation
- Empower yourself to make informed decisions
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- No prior knowledge or experience required
- Access to a computer or mobile device with internet connection
Course Difficulty Level
BeginnerCourse Format
- Online self-paced course
- Interactive modules
Similar Courses
- Critical Thinking - Reason and Fair Play in Communication
- Media and Digital Literacy
Notable People in This Field
- Malcolm Gladwell
- Maria Konnikova
Related Books
Description
The post-truth world is a divided and partisan environment in which factual information has been displaced by subjective and biased viewpoints. Facts and expertise no longer matter when isolated communities deny truth and scientific reasoning in favor of whatever information suits their needs or aligns with their beliefs. Social media and emerging technologies have the power to connect global participants in a meaningful way; yet, they have also led to disconnected communities that fail to communicate past their own self-imposed boundaries. In this course, you will gain insights to recognize your own biases and identify preconceptions in today’s dynamic social information environment. Through metaliteracy, you will practice self-reflective, metacognitive processes and reexamine fixed mindsets. Together, we will consider the importance of facts and expertise in reinventing a truthful world based on inclusive communities of trust. This course will empower you to be a reflective consumer and a creative, responsible producer of information, and to raise and share your voice in this post-truth milieu.
Knowledge
- Learn how to address post-truth problems through metaliteracy
- Evaluate your biases and those of others when interacting with information
- Show that you are able to consume, produce, and share information in ways that you can be proud of
Outline
- Empowering Yourself for the Post-Truth World
- Course Introduction
- Are You Living in a Post-Truth World?
- The Four Domains of Metaliterate Learning
- The Roles of the Metaliterate Learner
- Course Overview and Welcome
- Final Project Overview
- Netiquette: Ground Rules for Online Discussions
- Week 1 Overview and Objectives
- Post-Truth World Resources
- What is a Metaliterate Learner?
- Metaliterate Learner Resources
- Week 1 Definitions
- Who Are the Experts?
- Who Are the Experts?
- Experts and Authority
- What Makes It So Difficult to Get at the Truth?
- Expertise and Authority Introduction
- Expertise and Authority Resources
- Context and Confirmation Bias Introduction
- Context and Confirmation Bias Reading and Resources
- Week 2 Definitions
- Can We Build Trust Online?
- Can We Build Trust Online?
- Building Trust Online Introduction
- Building Trust Online Resources
- Week 3 Definitions
- False Representations in Constructed Media
- False Representations in Constructed Media: Perspectives from a News Editor
- Mass Media and Shared Experience Introduction
- False Representations in Constructed Media Resources
- Week 4 Definitions
- Raising and Sharing Our Voices
- Reclaiming the Promise of the Connected World Introduction
- What is Your Responsibility as an Information Creator?
- Reclaiming the Promise of the Connected World Resources
- Preparing to Raise and Share Your Voice Introduction
- Preparing to Raise and Share Your Voice Reading
- Wikipedia Case Study
- Ways to Share
- Week 5 Definitions
- Reinventing a Truthful World
- Moving Beyond the Post-Truth World Overview
- Final Project Resources
Summary of User Reviews
Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
practical tools and strategies for critical thinking and fact-checkingPros from User Reviews
- useful and relevant content
- engaging and knowledgeable instructors
- interactive and thought-provoking assignments
Cons from User Reviews
- some content may be repetitive for those already familiar with critical thinking
- course workload can be heavy at times
- limited opportunities for peer-to-peer interaction