Information Literacy In The Age Of Misinformation Training Course

Introduction

Equip individuals with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complex information landscape with our essential Information Literacy in the Age of Misinformation Training Course. This program empowers participants to effectively find, evaluate, and use information responsibly, particularly in an era saturated with misinformation, disinformation, and biased content. Mastering information literacy is increasingly vital for individuals across all walks of life seeking to make informed decisions, engage in civic discourse, and discern credible sources from unreliable ones. Our misinformation literacy training course offers in-depth strategies and practical techniques for developing crucial information evaluation skills.

This Information Literacy in the Age of Misinformation training delves into key areas such as identifying different types of misinformation, evaluating source credibility, understanding bias and propaganda techniques, fact-checking strategies, lateral reading techniques, navigating social media and algorithms, and promoting responsible information sharing. You will gain expertise in developing a discerning approach to information consumption, recognizing manipulative tactics, utilizing effective verification methods, and empowering others to become informed and responsible digital citizens. Whether you are an educator, librarian, student, or any individual seeking to enhance your ability to navigate the digital information environment, this Information Literacy in the Age of Misinformation course will provide you with invaluable skills for the modern world.

Target Audience:

• Educators (All Levels)
• Librarians
• Students (Secondary & Higher Education)
• Researchers
• Journalists
• Community Leaders
• General Public

Course Objectives:

• Understand the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation in the digital age.
• Develop critical skills for evaluating the credibility of information sources.
• Learn to identify different types of bias and propaganda techniques.
• Master effective fact-checking strategies and tools.
• Apply lateral reading techniques to verify information quickly and efficiently.
• Understand how social media and algorithms influence information consumption.
• Promote responsible information sharing practices online.

DURATION

5 Days

Course Content:

Module 1: Understanding the Information Landscape

• Understanding the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation in the digital age.
• Exploring the different types of false and misleading information.
• Analyzing the motivations behind the creation and spread of misinformation.
• Understanding the psychological factors that make people susceptible to misinformation.
• Best practices for navigating the complex and often overwhelming information environment.

Module 2: Evaluating Source Credibility

• Developing critical skills for evaluating the credibility of information sources.
• Examining author expertise, affiliations, and potential biases.
• Assessing the purpose and intended audience of information.
• Evaluating the quality of evidence and supporting documentation.
• Best practices for systematically assessing the trustworthiness of information sources.

Module 3: Identifying Bias and Propaganda

• Learning to identify different types of bias and propaganda techniques.
• Understanding cognitive biases and their influence on information processing.
• Recognizing common propaganda techniques used in online content.
• Analyzing how bias can be embedded in language, visuals, and framing.
• Best practices for recognizing and mitigating the influence of bias and propaganda.

Module 4: Mastering Fact-Checking Strategies and Tools

• Mastering effective fact-checking strategies and tools.
• Exploring reputable fact-checking websites and organizations.
• Learning how to verify claims using multiple sources.
• Utilizing reverse image search and other verification tools.
• Best practices for efficiently and accurately fact-checking information online.

Module 5: Lateral Reading Techniques

• Applying lateral reading techniques to verify information quickly and efficiently.
• Understanding the difference between vertical and lateral reading.
• Investigating the source of information before deeply engaging with the content.
• Checking what other credible sources say about the information and its source.
• Best practices for employing lateral reading as a key information evaluation skill.

Module 6: Navigating Social Media and Algorithms

• Understanding how social media and algorithms influence information consumption.
• Exploring the spread of misinformation on social media platforms.
• Recognizing the role of algorithms in shaping information feeds.
• Understanding the impact of echo chambers and filter bubbles.
• Best practices for critically engaging with information encountered on social media.

Module 7: Promoting Responsible Information Sharing

• Promoting responsible information sharing practices online.
• Understanding the ethical implications of sharing unverified information.
• Learning strategies for pausing before sharing and verifying content.
• Educating others on the importance of information literacy.
• Best practices for becoming a responsible and informed digital citizen.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.