The purpose of this project is to engage students in a real-world exploration of global censorship and misinformation, empowering them to create impactful social media campaigns. Through collaborative research and multimedia content creation, students will develop critical thinking and digital literacy skills while addressing complex global issues. This hands-on experience fosters a deeper understanding of the role of information in society and encourages students to propose innovative solutions to counteract misinformation.
Learning goals
Students will develop critical thinking and digital literacy skills by researching and evaluating the credibility of sources related to global censorship and misinformation. They will enhance their persuasive communication abilities through the creation of multimedia content for a social media campaign. Collaborative teamwork will be emphasized as students brainstorm and implement strategies to engage audiences. Reflective practices will be fostered through self-assessment, peer feedback, and group discussions, allowing students to gain insights into their learning processes and the broader impact of misinformation.
Standards
[North Carolina] I.1.5.a - Construct written, oral, and multimedia arguments.
[North Carolina] I.1.6.c - Organize and take individual or collaborative action in order to effect change and inform others.
[North Carolina] I.1.3.a - Locate credible primary and secondary sources.
Competencies
Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Products
Students will collaborate to create a series of interactive digital posters or a short documentary film that effectively communicates their social media campaign's message. These products will incorporate multimedia elements such as videos, infographics, and animations to engage the audience. Additionally, students will design a collaborative infographic that synthesizes key learnings from each group's campaign, visually representing the impact of misinformation and potential solutions. These products will be showcased at the 'Social Media Expo,' where students' work will be displayed on large screens, allowing for school-wide interaction and exploration.
Launch
Begin the project with an interactive workshop where students explore the concept of misinformation through a series of engaging activities, such as analyzing viral social media posts and identifying misleading elements. Invite a guest speaker, such as a journalist or digital literacy expert, to discuss the real-world impact of misinformation and censorship in the countries of focus. Conclude the launch with a brainstorming session where students generate initial ideas for their social media campaigns, setting the stage for deeper inquiry and collaboration.
Exhibition
Host a 'Social Media Expo' where students present their campaigns on large screens throughout the school, inviting peers, teachers, and community members to explore their work. Each display includes QR codes linking to the students' social media pages for interactive engagement. Encourage attendees to provide feedback and engage in discussions about the impact of misinformation and censorship, fostering a deeper understanding of these global issues.