Introduction and Description of Activity
Most of us now access the majority of our news and other information in online formats. Scientists also often rely on online sources to stay updated on the latest research and discoveries. In addition to scientific news websites (e.g. Live ScienceLinks to an external site.), online podcasts and videos are also becoming increasingly more common. All of these digital sources present information in new and exciting ways and can be accessed easily on the Internet.
The goal of this lab is to immerse you in the process of exploring and critically evaluating digital sources relvant to this course. Through this hands-on experience you will choose a topic of which to learn something new. You will then enhance your fact-checking skills and develop a deeper understanding of the reliability and quality of online information. And, finally, reflect on what you have learned about the topic and how effectively your source presented that information. In the process, you will be given the option of choosing to share with the class, through the course discussion forum, your thoughts and findings. Once you complete the assignment, hopefully you will have found a potentially good resource of information for use in the future.
To help you begin looking for good sources of information on the Internet, at the bottom of this webpage is a list of websites, podcasts, and video sources that give insights and/or different perspectives on the topics presented in the class.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, students will be able to . . .
Explore Digital Sources: Engage with online news articles, videos, or podcasts related to topics relevant to this course. Choose a source that piques your interest and aligns with the themes discussed in the course.
Enhance Fact-Checking Skills: Develop and apply fact-checking techniques to assess the accuracy, credibility, and reliability of the chosen source. Actively seek supporting or alternative articles to corroborate the information presented.
Critical Analysis: Conduct a critical analysis of the source, considering factors such as the author’s expertise, potential biases, and the methodology used to gather information. Explore the implications and applications of the information within the geoscience field.
Procedure
Part 1: Source Exploration
Choose a Digital Source: Select an online news article, video, or podcast that aligns with any of the topics presented in this course and interests you. Ensure the source provides enough information for a detailed analysis.
Detailed Exploration: Read, watch, or listen to your chosen material carefully. Take detailed notes, paying attention to key facts, data, and the overall presentation.
Engage with Peers: Active engagement with fellow classmates on this course discussion board is highly encouraged. Here you can share thoughts, pose questions about each module’s content, and seek input from your peers. It is essential to emphasize that, unlike the graded Lab 9: Digital Source Paper assignment, participation in the discussion board is optional and not a formal requirement. This platform serves as an informal space for open dialogue on course topics, offering students the flexibility to contribute voluntarily and at their own discretion and pace. Additionally, please be mindful that the discussion board is exclusively intended for student interactions. Any queries directed to the course instructor should be communicated directly.
Part 2: Fact-Checking and Critical Analysis
Evaluate Source Credibility: Conduct a thorough fact-checking process. Investigate the reputation of the source, author credentials, and the publication platform. Look for supporting or contrasting viewpoints. Ask yourself questions such as:
How reputable is the source?
From where do they get their information?
Are there references (citations) for their sources, or do they interview their sources directly?
Assess the Effectiveness of the Presentation: Examine the quality and effectivness of the presentation. Assess efforts to make the information easily understood by the audience (you). Ask yourself questions such as:
Do they have an agenda? In other words, are they secretly trying to achieve, cause, or support a particular thing to happen, while appearing to be doing something else?
How skilled where the presenters?
How effective was the overall presentation quality?
Was the information explained in a way that was easy to understand?
If it was a video, were the graphics or images meaningful and/or useful?
Consider Potential Bias: Analyze potential biases in the source. Explore any affiliations, motivations, or agendas that may influence the presentation of information. Ask yourself questions such as:
Was the article, podcast, or video engaging, funny, and/or intriguing? If so, why?
Are they trying clearly trying to sell me something, or do they have other motives for providing me the information?
Check for Supporting Articles: Actively search for additional articles or sources that support or challenge the findings of your chosen material. Assess the consistency and reliability of these supporting documents.
Peer Review Considerations: If the source is a scientific article, explore whether it underwent peer review. Consider the significance of the peer-review process in scientific research.
Part 3: Summary, Reflection, and Synthesis
Summarize Your Source: Summarize the information presented in your chosen source.
Reflect on Key Findings: Reflect on how on your source whether it influenced your perceptions or understanding of the topics addressed. Ask yourself questions such as:
How did this article, podcast, or video make me feel and why?
By reading, listening, and/or watching this article, podcast, or video, do I think it impacted me, my behaviors, and/or my choices in the future in any way? If so, explain how.
Synthesize Information: Integrate findings from your fact-checking process and supporting articles into a cohesive analysis. Discuss any uncertainties or limitations you encountered during the fact-checking process.
Part 4: Citation Links
Provide links to the digital source reviewed and links and/or citations to any other resources refereced in your paper. You also may use any citation style (e.g. APA, MLA, etc.).
Potential Digital Sources for Use in Completing this Lab
BBC NatureLinks to an external site.
BBC News Science and EnvironmentLinks to an external site.
BBC ScienceLinks to an external site.
Khan AcademyLinks to an external site.
Live ScienceLinks to an external site.
NBC News LearnLinks to an external site.
NOVALinks to an external site.
NOVA EducationLinks to an external site.
NOVA LabsLinks to an external site.
NOVA NextLinks to an external site.
NOVA ScienceNowLinks to an external site.
NOVA on YouTubeLinks to an external site.
NPR ScienceLinks to an external site.
RadiolabLinks to an external site.
Scientific AmericanLinks to an external site.
Science FridayLinks to an external site.
TED TalksLinks to an external site.
TED-Ed on YouTubeLinks to an external site.
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