Fake News: Whom Do You Believe?

I remember that there was a post on my Facebook that I couldn't believe this fall. I didn't look that closely, and now I realize that post was probably fake news. I guess I hand't thought a lot about fake news with the exception of the truly crazy reports one can see in certain publications known for fake news. But now fake news looks a lot like real news so we have to pay more attention about news sources, writers, and publishers.

How do we avoid fake news?

• Read/watch a regular diet of reputable news
• Collect and consult reliable professionals in real time and via online threads--people you can trust based on their experience, daily effort, and reputations. These are your "go to" people with regard to questions and analysis related to news and information
• Continue to develop your own philosophy, perspectives, and ideas with regard to policy, practice, and advocacy. A strong and well researched personal foundation in world events and news will help you to see the news with greater understanding and discretion

It's important that children are aware of the fact that fake news exists, and it's important that they learn the difference between reputable sources of information and false sources. We can teach this to students as they work on research projects and reports. We can also model this with students as we show news reports and other information from reputable online sources.