Educating for Globalization in an "Infodemic" Age: Challenging Fake News and Misinformation

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Seven
  In Roundtable Session: Global Education and Local Experience (Table 5)

Abstract

Advanced technologies, social media especially, have nurtured “infodemic,” that is, distortion of truth in the contexts of increased spread of fake news, misinformation and conspiracy theories (WHO, 2020). Unfortunately, the current fast spread of misinformation is disrupting essential global structures whose relevancy is truth dependent (Bonacini, Gallo & Scicchitan,2021;Shrestha et al., 2020). This study, then, examined the perspectives of preservice teachers (n=24) enrolled in a social studies methods course about their understanding of controversial issues in contexts of “truth”. Qualitative data showed, although participants initially trusted social media, they eventually broadened their perspectives after studying controversial topics using multiple sources. Generally, however, participants lacked essential understanding of education for truth and global equity.

Authors

• Lydiah Nganga, University of Wyoming
  Presenting Author

• John Kambutu, University of Wyoming
  Presenting Author