Tuesday, March 19
11:30-11:50 AM
PDT
Sunset 2

Digital Literacy and Perceptions of Truth: Confusion and Confirmation Bias

Brief Paper ID: 53941
  1. aaa
    Kevin Krahenbuhl
    Middle Tennessee State University

Abstract: This study surveyed practicing social studies teachers with regards to their perceptions regarding the concept of truth, their priorities and preferences in the classroom, and their approaches to improving digital literacy. The findings underscore two major, and concerning outcomes: (1) Teachers held contradictory views regarding truth underscoring a general confusion about the concept and (2) Teachers were significantly impacted by confirmation bias in assessing quality of online resources in digital literacy. The implications of this study are two-fold. First, if teachers do not have a clear understanding of truth then helping students assess quality of information in digital spheres becomes problematic. Second, if teachers are prone to having their preconceptions determine what is likely true or false online there are obvious political ramifications when dealing with social studies topics that tread in such areas.

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