It can be challenging to evaluate the array of information that comes to us online, but there are simple strategies we can use to sort fact from fiction. The FakeOut learning tool uses a social media environment to engage students on their level, to build the skills and habits needed to detect and reject false information.
Step 1
Students are presented a newsfeed of 10 posts drawn from real life, and asked to determine if they are true or false, using only their instincts. They will learn this is harder than it looks!
Step 2
Through a series of tutorial videos, students are introduced to three quick checks that can be used to verify information — both in the game and in real life.
Step 3
Students are presented with a new feed with 10 posts, but this time they can investigate the post by using the checks provided to learn more, before deciding thumbs up or thumbs down.
These simple checks can help anyone evaluate online information quickly. Through repeated investigation, we will come to know which sources of information we can consistently rely on, as well as building a habit of verifying information from unfamiliar sources before believing or sharing it.
What are algorithms and filter bubbles? And what happens when we all see different news?
What is ‘fake news,’ exactly? Better definitions can help us understand the problem more clearly
What happens when information is used as a weapon to divide people and disrupt democracy?
‘Lateral reading’ is the practise of leaving a story or post to learn more about the information or source that produced it. Lateral reading strategies offer a simple and effective way to quickly gain valuable context about websites, posts, articles, images and more.
FakeOut gives students the chance to test their fake-spotting skills, before and after learning the tricks of verification. Building a habit of checking can prevent us from getting fooled, or basing our opinions on faulty information.
FakeOut gives students the chance to test their fake-spotting skills, before and after learning the tricks of verification. - 1
FakeOut gives students the chance to test their fake-spotting skills, before and after learning the tricks of verification. - 2
FakeOut gives students the chance to test their fake-spotting skills, before and after learning the tricks of verification. - 3
See who has completed and how much their scores improved. Create a classes to see student play times and scores through the teacher dashboard.
‘Kids were sucked into FakeOut and could quickly see their need to improve their verification skills’
‘I loved FakeOut! Used it with my students, at home with my own kids and wife and with my friends and colleagues
‘FakeOut was excellent! It engaged the students who love to do interactive learning’
