Fake News, Research, and Spring Break

I think our examination of the different articles went really well today. You can see how easily it is to be duped into believing false news. You also can see how even our credible sources might not always be so credible. Who would have thought the New York Times and Washington Post's credibility might be questioned? Hopefully, we all see how dangerous memes can be and that we can recognize them as a modern example of propaganda. If you have a strong emotional response to something, double check the source and its claims. Also, many news sources are upfront with their bias, so this helps you to see that their news likely isn't going to be balanced. If your website is in the field of ConservativesRuleDemocratsDrool.com or IhateTrump.org, you can be pretty sure you are getting a biased report with a very clear agenda and muddled facts. Don't fall for it! Just like our discussion earlier this year on the Muslim ban, go to the source! Pull the actual document off the government website and read it yourself. These documents are primary sources and are welcome for use in research.

So what kind of sources can you use? Where can you search for credible sources? There are several great resources available to you. Check out Google Scholar, for starters. If you type in Google Scholar in your search engine, it will take you to another page full of scholarly articles. These are generally good articles to use. You will bypass blogs, unverified sources, and a whole lot of mess. Another great tool is to visit Wikipedia and scroll to the bottom of the page. Wikis have a reference section that is often compiled from legitimate sources. If you have access to Academic Search engines, like JSTOR, one of my favorites, you have hit the jackpot. Usually, you have to pay for access, be a student of the university, or visit the local library for this access. You can also visit the Texas A&M University-Central Texas library and ask to use their computers. They have access to all of these wonderful databases and the librarians are huge advocates of credible research. Outside of the internet, you can use reference sections of the library or books written by scholars or experts in their field. If you are unsure about a source, send me the info and I will help you verify its credibility.

So next week, we have an optional class. If you want extra help on your research or any topic we have covered so far, come on in. I will be there. If you would like to take a spring break or have plans with your family, enjoy! I will not assign homework for next week. I only ask that you keep reading F451. When we meet again in two weeks, on March 21st, be through the second part. We will finish this book by the end of the month and start The Hobbit in April. (I can't wait!)

Good work today in class! I hope you all learned to be more discerning and skeptical with news from the Internet. Have high standards for your information and you will be far less likely to be duped into believing Kim Jong-Un was the "Sexiest Man Alive for 2012."