Fact, Fiction, & "Fake News"

Resources for School Libraries

"To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate and use effectively the needed information"

(American Library Association, 1989)

What's the problem?

"Fake news" is everywhere, and studies show that both students AND adults can't tell the difference between fact and fiction.


Fake news was a popular program at November's national AASL conference. I was most excited about the session with a staffer at The Newseum. She presented on free tools on the Newseum website. See the bottom of the page for that link!


After the conference, I learned that the Stanford History Education Group has released the lessons that go with their study on information literacy. Take a look at the study HERE and the companion lessons HERE!

Why does it matter? Well, standards, for one thing...

Alaska Standards

Alaska ELA & Math Standards, 2012

Introduction, p.4-5:


Students who are college and career ready…

Demonstrate independence.

Build strong content knowledge.

Value evidence.

Use technology and digital media strategically and capably.


Use technology and digital media strategically and capably.


"Students employ technology thoughtfully to enhance their reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language use. They tailor their searches online to acquire useful information efficiently, and they integrate what they learn using technology with what they learn offline. They are familiar with the strengths and limitations of various technological tools and media and can select and use those best suited to their communication goals."

So what can we do? News literacy lessons!

https://youtu.be/q-Y-z6HmRgI
Big picture

Can YOU spot the fake news?

https://youtu.be/AkwWcHekMdo

Packaged curriculum resources

Lesson plans from Common Sense Media, The Newseum, & The News Literacy Project.

About me:

I am a school librarian in SE Alaska. I am interested in digital literacy & YA lit. Created 2017.