The Truth Still Matters: Teaching Information Literacy to Combat Fake News and Alternative Facts

Abstract

As the way we consume information has changed over the last two decades, so too have methods of deception and misinformation. It is clear that unlimited access to information has been equal parts enlightening and confusing as determining the truth becomes increasingly difficult. Despite popular wisdom which suggests that today’s young people are inherently skilled at assessing the credibility of online sources, evidence has shown that this could not be further from the truth. We can no longer view information literacy as merely a helpful skill for writing essays now that fake news and misinformation have proven their powers repeatedly on the world stage. It is up to educators to take a stand against misinformation by ensuring that each and every student leaves their classroom with the information literacy skills necessary for safety and success in the modern world.