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| Photo Source: https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7005/6641427981_6296af68e1.jpg |
Introduction
NOTE: If using Google Docs: Click here to make a copy of the worksheet you will use as you go through each section of this assignment.
If using MS Word: Click here to view the worksheet and select the text and copy and paste into your MS Word Document.
Everyone has heard the term "Fake News." Most of us are well aware that much of what we read online might be false information.
But what happens when the information appears to be coming from a legitimate source, or the information is shared with us from someone we follow on social media?
Further, it is important to also realize that the idea of "Fake News" is not a new thing. It has actually been around for a long time.
Fake News can take the form of propaganda (remember Ramses II of Ancient Egypt or what is called "Yellow Journalism." False information has been used in the past to both misinform the public and make money.
Now, with the internet, anyone with an agenda can create false information in an attempt to sway your opinion, make money or create doubt and suspicion - just think about all the online conspiracy theories!
Before you go any further, read about the history of Yellow Journalism (click here).
Make sure to type your response to this information in your worksheet. Consider what you find interesting, surprising or confusing. You can also connect it to your own prior knowledge or experiences.
Satire Versus Fake News
Some "news" gets spread on social media or by word of mouth through sources that are "satire."
Satire is not "Fake news." It is a form of humour, irony, ridicule or exaggeration to criticize or make a statement about current issues, usually related to politics or other social concerns.
So while the information is, essentially, false, its aim is not to misinform or mislead the public, but rather to entertain.
Click on a few of the links below to see some examples of satire online. Make sure to type your response to this information in your worksheet. Consider what you find interesting, surprising or confusing. You can also connect it to your own prior knowledge or experiences.
Manatee News (Atlantic Canada Satire)
The Onion (American Satire)
Walking Eagle (Indigenous Satire)
Private Eye (United Kingdom - Satire and Current Events)
The Spoof (International)
The Dangers of (and Reasons for) Fake News
There is a lot of what is called "click-bait" on the Internet. "Click-bait" is anything that is used to encourage an online user to visit a website or social media page to generate more traffic and interest.
Creators of fake news will use outrageous headlines or enticing photos to encourage users to "click" on the information. They will also encourage you to share the information in your social media space with your friends and followers.
So when we immediately share something online without considering its credibility, we can be potentially spreading false information. We can become part of the problem, and some fake news has had some scary outcomes.
You may have already heard about the fake news that was dubbed "PizzaGate" during the 2016 American election. Read this article (click here) to find out more.
So why do people create fake news? Aside from spreading false information to discredit someone, spread doubt or to sway opinion, false information can also be created to make money.
View this short video (click here) to find out how one teenager made a lot of money creating fake news.
Read this summary that shows survey results about Fake News through private messaging apps in Canada.
So why do people create fake news? Aside from spreading false information to discredit someone, spread doubt or to sway opinion, false information can also be created to make money.
View this short video (click here) to find out how one teenager made a lot of money creating fake news.
Read this summary that shows survey results about Fake News through private messaging apps in Canada.
Make sure to type your response to this information in your worksheet. Consider what you find interesting, surprising or confusing. You can also connect it to your own prior knowledge or experiences.
Fake or Real?
Most of us like to think we can tell the difference between fake or real news. However, a recent survey of 8000 students tells a different story. Watch the video below. Make sure to type your response to this information in your worksheet. Consider what you find interesting, surprising or confusing. You can also connect it to your own prior knowledge or experiences.
Spotting Fake News and How to Respond
Below are some resources you will look over.
- Below is a video that provides some tips on how to spot fake news. Its also mentions some fake news examples. Watch the video as it will help you complete your assignment.
- When we see something we think is fake news or false information, what can we do? CLICK HERE for some tips.
- Also read over the tips that follow on the image after the video (click on the image to enlarge).
Make sure to type your response to this information in your worksheet. Consider what you find interesting, surprising or confusing. You can also connect it to your own prior knowledge or experiences.
The rise and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in workplaces is a very widely discussed topic in our society. It has also affected the world of journalism, both for those who are journalists and those who are readers and viewers of their work. Below are links to some discussions on the impact and implications of AI. Read and view the information and then complete your reflection.
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| Click on image to enlarge Source: http://ww2.kqed.org/ |
Artificial Intelligence and Journalism
This is how AI could change the future of journalism (Make sure to also view the three short videos in the article - How Sky News created an AI reporter; Sky News trials an AI reporter; Could AI replace news organizations?)
Make sure to type your response to this information in your worksheet. Consider what you find interesting, surprising or confusing. You can also connect it to your own prior knowledge or experiences.
Fact-Checking Toolkit
FactCheck
The Washington Post Fact Checker
Media Bias/Fact Check
TinEye (Upload photos to determine where they appear online)
The Washington Post Fact Checker
Media Bias/Fact Check
TinEye (Upload photos to determine where they appear online)
Your Turn: Is the Claim True?
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| Click to enlarge |
At first glance, do you think this image post provides strong evidence about the conditions near the Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant? First, explain in your Google Document worksheet why or why not before you do the next step.
How would you go about verifying if the claim is true or not? Based on the information you have read over and the sites provided above, see if you can confirm if the claim made in this photo (and the photo itself) is true. Describe what you did and share your results.
Hint: The Snopes and TinEye sites would be good to help figure out if the claim is true or not and if the photo is real.
Don't forget to type your findings in your Google Document Worksheet and share the assignment to: allancarterspace@gmail.com
Use this as a checklist to ensure you have completed everything for your blog entry:
Deadline: Next Friday, January 17.
Rubric
- The assignment was completed on or before the deadline.
- The assignment includes a solid reasoning about the validity of the daisy image post.
- The assignment explains how the student verified the claim made in the daisy image post.
- The assignment effectively addresses the other five topics in a concise and informative style.
- There are fewer than three grammatical, spelling or sentence structure errors in the entry and the assignment was completed on time.
