Fostering Media and Information Literacy Among Students in a “Post-Truth” Era: Fake News, Social Media and an Evolving Instructional Agenda

Fake News has been described as a type of propaganda that consists of misinformation, disinformation or hoaxes spread via traditional print and broadcast news media or online social media. We have seen this moniker rise to the national level of discussion around media and information literacy education, and critical thinking. This webinar addresses how the term fake news is being used in popular lexicon. Panelists share their perspectives on what further conceptualization and actions are needed for educators to successfully navigate today’s evolving media climate, with a view towards developing modes of instruction for addressing mis- and dis-information campaigns in the media, and cultivating our students’ greater media discernment.

Guests for this episode include:

• Rebecca Reynolds (host), Associate Professor, Rutgers University School of Communication & Information
• Peter Adams, Senior Vice President for Education Programs, News Literacy Project
• Katherine Fry, Professor of Media Studies in the Dept. of Television and Radio, CUNY Brooklyn
• Wendy Stephens, Assistant Professor of Library Media, Jacksonville State University