Crash Course Navigating Digital Information Preview

Summary

In this upcoming 10-episode series, John Green explores how to navigate digital information effectively, addressing the challenges of misinformation and the impact of algorithms on our understanding of the world. With a focus on practical skills, the series aims to enhance our ability to evaluate information online, drawing on research from the Stanford History Education Group. Collaborating with MediaWise, the course promises to equip viewers with tools for becoming more discerning consumers of information, ultimately fostering better citizenship in our increasingly digital society.

Takeaways

• 😀 The series 'Crash Course Navigating Digital Information' aims to help viewers improve their ability to evaluate digital information.
• 📖 The importance of recognizing misinformation and disinformation in shaping our political and social discourse is highlighted.
• 🔍 Evaluating information quality is crucial for being a better citizen and a more engaged individual.
• 💻 The Internet has both positive and negative impacts, helping people connect while also exposing them to misleading information.
• 🤔 Everyone is susceptible to being misled online, regardless of their belief in immunity to misinformation.
• 🎓 This series is designed as a practical guide for navigating the complexities of the Internet, unlike previous media literacy courses that were more academic.
• 🔗 Collaboration with MediaWise, a project from the Poynter Institute, will provide proven methods for assessing online information accuracy.
• 💡 Understanding funding sources, like Google's involvement, is essential when evaluating the credibility of digital information.
• 📚 The curriculum is based on research by the Stanford History Education Group focused on civic online reasoning.
• ⏳ The series will explore how to interact with the Internet like professional fact-checkers to combat misinformation.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the series 'Crash Course Navigating Digital Information'?

The series aims to teach viewers practical skills for evaluating the quality of digital information and becoming active consumers of online content.

Why does John Green mention his personal struggles with navigating digital information?

He shares his struggles to illustrate that many people, including himself, often passively consume information online without critically evaluating it.

How do algorithms influence our consumption of information according to the script?

Algorithms can shape our understanding by showing us information that provokes strong emotional reactions, leading to passive scrolling and a lack of critical engagement.

What are misinformation and disinformation, and why are they significant?

Misinformation is false or misleading information spread without harmful intent, while disinformation is deliberately misleading information. Both can shape political and social discourse and impact individual identity.

How does the series propose to improve information evaluation skills?

The series collaborates with MediaWise and the Stanford History Education Group to provide research-backed methods for evaluating the accuracy of digital information.

What does John Green say about the role of funding sources in evaluating information?

He emphasizes the importance of understanding where funding comes from when assessing the credibility of digital information, as it can influence the content presented.

In what ways does John Green suggest the Internet has positively impacted society?

He notes that the Internet has helped connect people who feel isolated and has given voice to individuals who might not otherwise be heard.

What approach will viewers learn in this series compared to previous media literacy courses?

This series offers a more practical, vocational approach to navigating online information, rather than just an academic introduction to media literacy.

What is the ultimate goal of the series over the next ten weeks?

The goal is to equip viewers with better strategies for navigating and evaluating information online, enhancing their understanding and engagement with digital content.

Why does John Green believe that anyone can be misled online?

He believes that everyone is susceptible to misinformation, and those who think they are immune may be especially vulnerable because they might not critically question the information they encounter.