Can your students discern fact from fiction online?
Students get their news and information online, yet often they lack the skills needed to search effectively or usefully evaluate what they see. This can lead to misplaced beliefs or even warped world views, which can drive mistrust, suspicion or hatred. Above all, this can damage young people’s well-being and impact their life-chances.
Digital Thinking Skills for Schools addresses these challenges. Our digital information literacy workshops equip students with the critical skills and knowledge to navigate and make sense of the online world. The programme is:
Delivered in-person by digital media specialists
Fun, engaging and participative activities
Relevant, topical, real-world case studies
Tailored to year-group and ability
National Curriculum aligned content
54% of teachers
believe that the national curriculum does not equip children with the literacy skills they need to identify fake news.1 in 3
UK teachers say pupils have cited false information found online as fact in their school work.
Nearly two thirds
of teachers believe fake news is harming children's well-being and increasing anxiety.35%
of teachers think critical literacy is taught in ways that are not transferable to the outside world.
67%
of 12-15s are unable to correctly identify advertising on Google despite it being labelled 'Ad'.One third
of 12-15s aren’t aware of personalised advertising and paid endorsements by vloggers.
50%
of 9-16s worry about not being able to spot fake news.Only half
of 12-15s know Google and YouTube are funded by advertisers.
Source: Ofcom (2018), Commission on Fake News and Critical Literacy (2018)
Why schools use Digital Thinking Skills
Attainment Strong digital research and evaluation skills for better educational and employment outcomes.
Well-being Less student anxiety from fake news, rolling media or deceptive materials.
Independent learning Students empowered to research autonomously and access quality online information.
Attention Less distraction in class from misinformation – fake news, hoaxes or conspiracy theories.
Application Tools and techniques that can be applied to the curriculum.
Confidence Teachers better equipped to guide students as they navigate the world’s information.
For informed, resilient and capable students
Able to access educational materials, guidance, skills and support online.
Equipped to distinguish fact from fiction, opinion, speculation, bias or spin.
Capable of recognising and appraising online marketing and advertising.
Less likely to be misled, worried or duped by online misinformation.
Informed about commercial, political and social forces behind digital media.
Able to critically evaluate online media – text, video and audio.
For primary schools, secondary schools and beyond
Primary schools
Our fun and interactive workshops for Key Stage 2 pupils focus on search skills, reliable sources, fact-checking and evaluating evidence.
Secondary schools
Our participative and thought-provoking workshops teach Key Stage 3 students to think critically and consequentially about the digital media they see.
Get in touch
We work with schools, local authorities, youth support services, parents and community groups. If you’d like to find out more, please get in touch.
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