Discussion Prompts
Why is it so important for you to critically evaluate online information? It is necessary to proactively evaluate online content through a process of, "locating, evaluating, and synthesizing information iteratively before communicating it to others" (Forzani, p. 4). As information is shared and assumed to be real, conflict can arise as in DEEPFAKEs. 
Why is it important for your students of future students? Today's students are challenged due to the enormous amount of information available in the Internet age. Students must develop a, "web of understanding" by conducting multiple layers of reading research on a topic in order to synthesize all of the content available (Forzani, p. 10-1). 
What specifically did you learn that can help you become a more healthy skeptic about online information? When reading, I have several strategies for critically evaluating content. However, with video, I was especially impressed with the depth and skills of the DEEPFAKE producers. I agree that entertaining is a huge part of the process; however, the political commentary is a possible threat and the level of skill and technical prowess of these DEEPFAKES is truly overwhelming. 
What would you teach your students or future students? I believe the NPR Hidden Brain Podcast is an exceptional example to share with students as it introduces consequences and individual responsibility in the sharing of questionable online content. It is easy to observe. But once a user participates in the dissemination of the product, the responsibility falls on them as well. Students of all ages need to be aware of this awesome responsibility (NPR Hidden Brain Podcast). 
I also think students should be aware of the fact checking sites like Snopes, AFP Fact Check, PolitiFact, and FactsCan that were discussed in Check, Please! Starter Course. These are excellent sites and can verify information rather quickly through an online search engine (Lesson One: Introduction to SIFT. Check, Please! Starter Course).
What advice would you give to peers, students, or future teachers about being critical of online information (how and whys)? The things to do approach, or SIFT is very simple and good to teach students and future teachers (Lesson One: Introduction to SIFT. Check, Please! Starter Course). Quick check associated with this method is relatively simple. I also agree with the Online Verfication Skills Videos that describe how to investigate the source. I think students should be familiar with these strategies!
What habits are you forming and how will you follow through with those habits to make them a part of your online reading and critical evaluation toolkit? I really like the recommendations in the Check, Please! Starter Course. It is a step by step course that teaches real strategies like reverse image searches, trace claims, and the use of Wikipedia for source validation. I had not used these methods in previous research but would like to start using them from now on (Check, Please! Starter Course).

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