In today’s digital age, misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation spread faster than ever. This 3-week course, Unmasking Information Disorder, will equip you with essential skills to navigate the information landscape. You’ll learn to distinguish between different types of false information, foster critical thinking to filter out biases, and explore cutting-edge fact-checking tools. Through hands-on exercises and real-world simulations, you'll gain the confidence to identify and debunk misinformation, empowering you to become a more informed digital citizen. Join us and learn how to protect yourself, your community, and democracy from the dangers of information disorder. Participants should have fundamental internet navigation skills (e.g., using search engines, accessing websites, and navigating social media platforms). A laptop, tablet, or smartphone is recommended for hands-on activities, fact-checking exercises, and interactive simulations.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

SUGGESTED READING

• Kruger, A., Chan, E., & Zhang, S. (2022). Verification, monitoring and responsible reporting in an age of information disorder: a guide for practitioners in Southeast Asia
• Kandel, N. (2020). Information disorder syndrome and its management. JNMA: Journal of the Nepal Medical Association, 58(224), 280
• Monsees, L. (2023). Information disorder, fake news and the future of democracy. Globalisations, 20(1), 153-168
• Damasceno, C.S. (2021). Multiliteracies for combating information disorder and fostering civic dialogue. Social Media+ Society, 7(1), 2056305120984444
• Harm I.T. (2020). TYPES OF INFORMATION DISORDER. Fake News: Understanding Media and Misinformation in the Digital Age, 71
• Filimowicz, M. (Ed.). (2023). Information Disorder: Algorithms and Society. Taylor & Francis

COURSE OUTLINE

• Understanding Information Disorder: Defining Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malinformation; The Elements of Information Disorder
• The Filter in Our Head – Fostering Critical Thinking: Cognitive Biases and the Psychology of Misinformation; Practical Simulation: Spotting and Analysing False Information
• New Development in Fact-Checking and Debunking Disinformation: Tools and Methods for Fact-Checking; Strategies for Countering Disinformation in Daily Life

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Differentiate between misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation, and explain their key characteristics and impact on society.
2. Identify the elements of information disorder, including the actors, motivations, and dissemination methods behind false information.
3. Recognise cognitive biases and psychological factors that influence how people perceive and share misinformation.
4. Critically analyse media content by applying fact-checking techniques and verifying sources for credibility.
5. Use digital tools and fact-checking resources to detect and debunk false or misleading information.
6. Develop strategies for countering disinformation in daily life, including effective communication methods to educate others without reinforcing falsehoods.
7. Engage in discussions about media literacy and democratic participation, applying critical thinking to assess and navigate the digital information landscape.