Development of a Misinformation Instructional Toolkit

Abstract

The ability to analyze information and arguments for credibility is one of the hallmarks of critical thinking. However, the proliferation of disinformation and misinformation on social media has raised concerns among educators regarding students’ ability to assess the credibility and accuracy of this information. This open educational toolkit, created by University of Calgary librarians, supports faculty in engaging students to develop skills to critically appraise the credibility of information disseminated on social media and other information platforms, and more broadly to understand misinformation and disinformation within a broader social context, in particular the deliberate use of disinformation tactics to influence public perception on a variety of topics. The toolkit also focuses on individuals as information actors, and encourages students to adopt critical thinking skills and behaviors when interpreting and sharing information. The toolkit design was informed by an extensive research process involving focus groups, a literature review, classroom piloting, and stakeholder feedback, and includes instructional resources and examples to support teaching curricula across disciplines.