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Dr. Thomas P. Mackey,
Kelsey O'Brien,
and
Professor Trudi Jacobson
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/fm3ldi/empowering
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What's inside
Syllabus
Empowering Yourself for the Post-Truth World
What is the post-truth world? In a post-truth world, subjective biases and uninformed opinions have challenged or replaced objective facts and scientific reasoning. Technologies originally designed to connect global participants have created a profound disconnect among users based on partisan ideologies and beliefs. Metaliteracy empowers learners to traverse this partisan landscape; it it supports metacognitive thinking to reflect on individual biases, as well as the preconceptions or prejudices that are embedded in content and participant viewpoints. As a metaliterate learner, you will learn how to take charge of your learning by identifying your own strengths and areas for growth.
In this module we will introduce you to the metaliteracy model, which will prepare you to be an informed consumer and creative producer. You will explore the active roles you take on as a creator of new information, such as communicator, researcher, and teacher in collaborative social environments.
Read more
Syllabus
Empowering Yourself for the Post-Truth World
What is the post-truth world? In a post-truth world, subjective biases and uninformed opinions have challenged or replaced objective facts and scientific reasoning. Technologies originally designed to connect global participants have created a profound disconnect among users based on partisan ideologies and beliefs. Metaliteracy empowers learners to traverse this partisan landscape; it it supports metacognitive thinking to reflect on individual biases, as well as the preconceptions or prejudices that are embedded in content and participant viewpoints. As a metaliterate learner, you will learn how to take charge of your learning by identifying your own strengths and areas for growth.
In this module we will introduce you to the metaliteracy model, which will prepare you to be an informed consumer and creative producer. You will explore the active roles you take on as a creator of new information, such as communicator, researcher, and teacher in collaborative social environments.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Teaches a model for navigating the difficulties of a post-truth world
Introduces participants to the importance of reflecting upon one's own biases
Examines the ideal roles of experts and expertise, as well as the challenges posed by the participatory nature of the modern web
Calls attention to the problem of distorted media and its consequences in the construction of true narratives
Provides a comprehensive approach to solving the problems of post-truth media
Led by a team of experienced educators and researchers who are recognized for their work in the field
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Reviews summary
Empowering through metaliteracy in post-truth
According to learners, this course offers a largely positive and highly relevant exploration of navigating today's complex information environment. Many found the concepts, particularly metaliteracy, to be a useful framework for identifying biases and becoming a more critical consumer and producer of information. The lectures were frequently described as thought-provoking and engaging. While widely appreciated as a solid introduction, some reviewers noted it could delve into certain topics with greater depth. The practical value of the course content for understanding issues like misinformation and building trust online was highlighted by many.
Offers tools for real-world application.
"I learned practical strategies I can use immediately to evaluate online information."
"The course equipped me with useful skills for navigating social media and identifying 'fake news'."
"This course provided actionable insights for building trust in online communities."
"Helped me understand my role and responsibility in the flow of online information."
Content prompts deep reflection.
"The lectures were very engaging and made me think critically about my media consumption habits."
"I appreciated how the course prompted self-reflection on personal biases and preconceptions."
"The instructors presented the material in a clear and thought-provoking manner."
"This course really challenged my perspective on truth, facts, and expertise."
Provides a practical model for information analysis.
"The metaliteracy framework gave me tangible tools to evaluate information and recognize my own biases."
"Learning about metaliteracy was empowering; it's a really useful model for navigating the online world."
"I found the concept of metaliteracy to be a significant takeaway from this course."
"This framework is excellent for becoming a more conscious information consumer and creator."
Addresses critical issues in today's world.
"The course material is incredibly relevant and timely given the current information landscape."
"This is a necessary course for anyone wanting to understand the 'post-truth' phenomenon."
"Loved how the course directly tackled issues like misinformation and online trust."
"Highly topical and immediately applicable to understanding daily news and social media."
Excellent overview, but sometimes superficial.
"It serves as a great introduction to the topic, but I hoped for more in-depth exploration of specific examples."
"Provides a broad overview, but could benefit from deeper dives into certain concepts or case studies."
"Felt like some modules only scratched the surface; I wanted more detail."
"While valuable for beginners, those already somewhat familiar might find it lacks advanced content."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Empowering Yourself in a Post-Truth World with these
activities:
Reflect on the Impact of Personal Beliefs
Show steps
Begin the course by critically examining personal biases to build a foundation for metaliteracy.
Browse courses on
Cognitive Biases
Show steps
-
Identify and list potential biases and preconceptions you may have.
-
Consider how these biases might influence your interpretation of information and interactions with others.
-
Develop strategies to mitigate the impact of biases on your thinking and communication.
Understand the Role of Technology in Creating and Sharing Information
Show steps
Explore the role of technology in shaping the post-truth environment and its implications for creating and sharing information.
Browse courses on
Social Media
Show steps
-
Review online resources and tutorials on the impact of social media and emerging technologies on information sharing.
-
Analyze case studies of how technology has facilitated the spread of misinformation and fake news.
-
Discuss the ethical and societal implications of technology's role in shaping the information landscape.
Identify and Analyze Media Sources
Show steps
Enhance metaliteracy skills by practicing the identification and analysis of media sources.
Browse courses on
Expertise
Show steps
-
Examine different types of media sources, such as news articles, social media posts, and online videos.
-
Identify the authors, publishers, and target audiences of media sources.
-
Assess the credibility and reliability of media sources based on factors such as factual accuracy, transparency, and bias.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Engage in Collaborative Discussions on Media Representation
Show steps
Enhance understanding of media representation and contextual accuracy through peer discussions.
Show steps
-
Participate in online or in-person discussions with peers to analyze media representations of different groups and issues.
-
Identify biases, stereotypes, and inaccuracies in media representations.
-
Discuss strategies for promoting more accurate and inclusive media representations.
Develop a Communication Plan for Building Trust in Online Communities
Show steps
Apply metaliteracy principles by designing a communication plan to foster trust and promote responsible participation in online communities.
Browse courses on
Community Building
Show steps
-
Research and identify best practices for building trust in online communities.
-
Develop a communication strategy that outlines goals, target audiences, and key messages.
-
Create content, such as articles, videos, or social media posts, to promote trust and responsible participation.
Compile a Resource Guide on Countering Misinformation and Fake News
Show steps
Create a valuable resource for combating misinformation and fake news by compiling a comprehensive guide.
Browse courses on
Misinformation
Show steps
-
Gather and review credible sources on misinformation and fake news.
-
Identify key strategies and tools for identifying and debunking false information.
-
Organize and present the information in a clear and accessible format.
Contribute to a Non-Profit Organization Focused on Truth and Media Literacy
Show steps
Gain practical experience in promoting truth and media literacy through volunteer work.
Show steps
-
Identify non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting truth and media literacy.
-
Contact organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Participate in activities such as organizing workshops, creating educational materials, or conducting outreach programs.
-
Reflect on the impact of volunteer work on your understanding of truth and media literacy.
Contribute to an Open-Source Project Related to Truth and Media Literacy
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience and contribute to the broader community by participating in open-source projects.
Show steps
-
Identify open-source projects related to truth and media literacy.
-
Review project documentation and codebases to understand their goals and functionality.
-
Make contributions to the project, such as reporting bugs, suggesting improvements, or writing code.
Design an Educational Campaign to Promote Metaliteracy
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive educational campaign to promote metaliteracy and empower individuals to navigate the post-truth world.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
-
Research and analyze existing metaliteracy educational programs and campaigns.
-
Design an educational campaign that includes materials, activities, and strategies to engage target audiences.
-
Implement the campaign and evaluate its impact on participants' metaliteracy skills.
Reflect on the Impact of Personal Beliefs
Show steps
Begin the course by critically examining personal biases to build a foundation for metaliteracy.
Browse courses on
Cognitive Biases
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and list potential biases and preconceptions you may have.
- Consider how these biases might influence your interpretation of information and interactions with others.
- Develop strategies to mitigate the impact of biases on your thinking and communication.
Understand the Role of Technology in Creating and Sharing Information
Show steps
Explore the role of technology in shaping the post-truth environment and its implications for creating and sharing information.
Browse courses on
Social Media
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review online resources and tutorials on the impact of social media and emerging technologies on information sharing.
- Analyze case studies of how technology has facilitated the spread of misinformation and fake news.
- Discuss the ethical and societal implications of technology's role in shaping the information landscape.
Identify and Analyze Media Sources
Show steps
Enhance metaliteracy skills by practicing the identification and analysis of media sources.
Browse courses on
Expertise
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Examine different types of media sources, such as news articles, social media posts, and online videos.
- Identify the authors, publishers, and target audiences of media sources.
- Assess the credibility and reliability of media sources based on factors such as factual accuracy, transparency, and bias.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Engage in Collaborative Discussions on Media Representation
Show steps
Enhance understanding of media representation and contextual accuracy through peer discussions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Participate in online or in-person discussions with peers to analyze media representations of different groups and issues.
- Identify biases, stereotypes, and inaccuracies in media representations.
- Discuss strategies for promoting more accurate and inclusive media representations.
Develop a Communication Plan for Building Trust in Online Communities
Show steps
Apply metaliteracy principles by designing a communication plan to foster trust and promote responsible participation in online communities.
Browse courses on
Community Building
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify best practices for building trust in online communities.
- Develop a communication strategy that outlines goals, target audiences, and key messages.
- Create content, such as articles, videos, or social media posts, to promote trust and responsible participation.
Compile a Resource Guide on Countering Misinformation and Fake News
Show steps
Create a valuable resource for combating misinformation and fake news by compiling a comprehensive guide.
Browse courses on
Misinformation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather and review credible sources on misinformation and fake news.
- Identify key strategies and tools for identifying and debunking false information.
- Organize and present the information in a clear and accessible format.
Contribute to a Non-Profit Organization Focused on Truth and Media Literacy
Show steps
Gain practical experience in promoting truth and media literacy through volunteer work.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting truth and media literacy.
- Contact organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Participate in activities such as organizing workshops, creating educational materials, or conducting outreach programs.
- Reflect on the impact of volunteer work on your understanding of truth and media literacy.
Contribute to an Open-Source Project Related to Truth and Media Literacy
Show steps
Gain hands-on experience and contribute to the broader community by participating in open-source projects.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify open-source projects related to truth and media literacy.
- Review project documentation and codebases to understand their goals and functionality.
- Make contributions to the project, such as reporting bugs, suggesting improvements, or writing code.
Design an Educational Campaign to Promote Metaliteracy
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive educational campaign to promote metaliteracy and empower individuals to navigate the post-truth world.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and analyze existing metaliteracy educational programs and campaigns.
- Design an educational campaign that includes materials, activities, and strategies to engage target audiences.
- Implement the campaign and evaluate its impact on participants' metaliteracy skills.
Career center
Learners who complete Empowering Yourself in a Post-Truth World will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists must navigate an increasingly complex media environment in the post-truth world. This course can help you to navigate in a world where facts are increasingly irrelevant, and expertise is constantly challenged. As a journalist, you must be able to critically evaluate information and identify bias. You must also be able to communicate complex issues in a clear and concise way. This course will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in this challenging field.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians are responsible for organizing and providing access to information. In the post-truth world, this is more important than ever. This course will help you to understand the challenges of the post-truth world and develop the skills you need to help your patrons find the information that they need.
Media Analyst
Media Analyst
Media analysts help businesses and organizations understand the media landscape. In the post-truth world, this is more important than ever. This course will help you to understand how the media works and how to identify bias. You will also learn how to use data to measure the impact of media coverage.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialist
Public relations specialists help organizations communicate with the public. In the post-truth world, this is more important than ever. This course will help you to understand the challenges of the post-truth world and develop the skills you need to communicate effectively with the public.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers play a vital role in educating the next generation. In the post-truth world, it is more important than ever for teachers to be able to critically evaluate information and identify bias. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to teach your students how to think critically and navigate the post-truth world.
Digital Marketing Specialist
Digital Marketing Specialist
Digital marketing specialists help businesses and organizations market their products and services online. In the post-truth world, it is more important than ever for digital marketing specialists to be able to understand the challenges of the post-truth world and develop strategies to reach their target audience.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts help organizations protect their data from cyberattacks. In the post-truth world, it is more important than ever for information security analysts to be able to identify and mitigate risks. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to protect your organization's data.
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Data scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. In the post-truth world, it is more important than ever for data scientists to be able to critically evaluate data and identify bias. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to use data to make informed decisions.
Web Developer
Web Developer
Web developers design and develop websites. In the post-truth world, it is more important than ever for web developers to be able to create websites that are accessible and user-friendly. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to create websites that meet the needs of your users.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software engineers design and develop software applications. In the post-truth world, it is more important than ever for software engineers to be able to develop software that is secure and reliable. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to build software that meets the needs of your users.
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientist
Computer scientists study the theory and practice of computing. In the post-truth world, it is more important than ever for computer scientists to be able to develop new technologies that can help us to address the challenges of the post-truth world.
Economist
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. In the post-truth world, it is more important than ever for economists to be able to understand the impact of economic policies on society. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to analyze economic data and make informed decisions.
Psychologist
Psychologist
Psychologists study the mind and behavior. In the post-truth world, it is more important than ever for psychologists to be able to understand the impact of cognitive biases on our decision-making. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to help your clients understand and overcome their cognitive biases.
Sociologist
Sociologist
Sociologists study the social behavior of humans. In the post-truth world, it is more important than ever for sociologists to be able to understand the impact of social media on our society. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to analyze social data and make informed decisions.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study the culture and behavior of humans. In the post-truth world, it is more important than ever for anthropologists to be able to understand the impact of globalization on our culture. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to analyze cultural data and make informed decisions.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/fm3ldi/empowering
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Empowering Yourself in a Post-Truth World.
Examines the role of the mass media in American democracy, with a particular focus on the ways it can be used to propagate propaganda and suppress dissent.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the metaliteracy model, which will prepare you to be an informed consumer and creative producer of information.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the post-truth era, exploring its causes and consequences and offering ways to combat it.
Argues that the decline of trust in experts has led to a rise in populism and a rejection of science and reason.
Examines the changing role of the media in a democratic society, with a particular focus on the rise of digital media.
Save
Explores how personalized search results and social media feeds can create echo chambers and reinforce biases.
Examines the impact of the internet on our ability to focus, read, and think critically.
Explores the rise of surveillance capitalism and its implications for privacy, democracy, and the future of humanity.
Examines the attention economy and the ways in which companies are vying for our attention.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/fm3ldi/empowering
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Rating
4.5
Effort
8 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
The State University of New York
Instructors
Dr. Thomas P. Mackey
Kelsey O'Brien
Professor Trudi Jacobson
Language
English
Transcripts
العربية
Français
українська мова
中文
Ελληνικά
Italiano
Português
tiếng Việt
Nederlands
한국어
Deutsch
Pусский
ไทย
Bahasa Indonesia
Svenska
Türkçe
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हिंदी
日本語
қазақша
Polski
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