Media and Misinformation
by Julie Burrell, Rachel Donlon and Sarah Webb
Julie Burrell, Rachel Donlon and Sarah Webb are all Academic Liaison Librarians in Library and Cultural Services. They support three different faculties between them and have a real interest in developing critical thinking skills and teaching people about misinformation.
Media and Misinformation: How Library staff are teaching critical thinking
How do you teach students to navigate a world where misinformation spreads faster than facts? In this podcast, Academic Liaison Librarians Julie Burrell, Rachel Donlon and Sarah Webb share the story of developing the Media and Misinformation RISE course – a resource designed to help students develop critical evaluation skills for the digital age.
The team discusses why misinformation isn’t just a modern problem (spoiler: influences and fake news have been around since the 1870s), their inspiring visit to the British Library’s “Breaking the News” exhibition, and the practicalities of creating a comprehensive online course while juggling day-to-day responsibilities. They explore the five modules of the course – from the history of misinformation to digital wellbeing – and share fascinating examples including the non-existent inventor of the electric toaster, Alan McMasters.
With nearly 1,000 enrolments and over 500 completers, the course is now being used across all four faculties. As Innovation Scholars, the team is currently conducting research to assess the course’s impact on student behaviour and understanding. They reflect candidly on the challenges of research as professional services staff, the importance of working with student partners, and key lessons about protecting time for innovative projects.
