Fact-checking in the age of AI
Objective: The worksheet aims to raise awareness among learners about fake news and disinformation in the age of artificial intelligence. Students should learn not only to evaluate information intuitively, but also to apply systematic methods for verifying its accuracy.
Content and methods: In terms of content, the material deals with the distinction between intuition and fact-checking. It addresses the spread of myths and unconfirmed sensational reports on the internet. The methodological implementation involves evaluating fictional tweets, developing tips for identifying fake news using an external explanatory video, and applying the 5 steps of fact-checking (source, headline, comparison, evidence, AI suspicion) to a "breaking news" report.
Competencies:
- Media literacy: Developing a critical attitude toward digital content and its sources
- Analytical skills: Applying structured verification steps to assess credibility and warning signs
- Critical thinking: Questioning sensational headlines and secret sources.
- Technical understanding: Raising awareness of the potential of AI in the creation of disinformation.
Target group and level: Grade 7 and above
52 other teachers use this template
Target group and level
Grade 7 and above
Subjects
Fact-checking in the age of AI
First impressions – intuition vs. verification
Before we dive deep into analysis, we often rely on our gut feeling.
- Read through the three tweets and give a brief assessment of which of the tweets seems credible or implausible.
- Watch the video "How do I recognize fake news?" as a group and note down three important tips from the video that help to verify information.
- Check the tweets using the tips from the video and fill in the table.
Jonas Fröhlich @@healthyjonas
Just found out that oat milk is supposedly carcinogenic and the pharmaceutical industry has been covering it up for years! 😱🥛 #TruthTheyHideFromUs
Anna Neugierig @@curiousanna
Heard that 5G towers weaken our immune system and cause headaches—no wonder so many people are sick! 📡🤯 #WakeUp
Max Explorer @@explorermax
Researchers have allegedly discovered that vaccines contain microchips that can be used to monitor people. 🤖💉 #WhatTheyDon'tTellUs
Quick assessment: Which of the tweets is credible or not credible?
🐦 Evaluation of tweets
Assess the tweets for credibility, document warning signs, and enter your final result:
| Tweet | Credible? | Warning signs | Final result |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | |||
| B | |||
| C |
Analysis of "Breaking News"
Now apply your knowledge to the following text.
BREAKING NEWS!!! Cell Phones Boost Student Performance by 30%!
A recent revelation has turned the education world upside down: cell phone use in class makes students 30 percent smarter! This exciting news suggests that phones might be the key to unlocking hidden academic potential. The media is covering it up, but thanks to a secret group, we now know the truth.
Despite some claims that phones are distractions, new findings show they help students focus and learn better. Cell phones provide instant access to information, allowing students to solve complex problems faster than ever. This could explain why students working on phones report feeling more engaged and motivated.
A mysterious organization has even discovered that using smartphones in class improves memory retention and understanding of challenging subjects. They found that by spending time on educational apps, students gain a deeper grasp of material, making lessons more enjoyable and effective.
However, some educators argue that phones can be addictive and might lead to decreased attention in class. But the benefits seem to outweigh the drawbacks, as students using smartphones reportedly perform better in exams, showing higher scores across various subjects.
There’s even talk of cell phones transforming physical education by tracking fitness levels and encouraging healthy competition among peers. This innovation could lead to a new era where students excel not just academically, but physically too.
Despite skepticism, the evidence is growing: cell phones could be the future of education, pushing students to achieve unprecedented levels of success. It's time to embrace this change and let the power of technology propel students to new heights!
(supercoolnews.com)
Write down the most important aspects here.
The 5 steps of fact-checking
- Check the source: Who wrote the text?
- Check the headline: Does it sound exaggerated?
- Compare: Can the information be found elsewhere?
- Check the evidence: Are there any studies or experts?
- AI suspicion: Does everything sound very general or too perfect?
Assignment
Use the 5 steps and fill in the table with the knowledge you have learned.
🔍 Verification of information
Complete the verification steps and select the appropriate conclusion:
| Control step | Result |
|---|---|
| Source | |
| Other reports? | |
| Evidence mentioned? | |
| Suspicion of AI? | |
| Conclusion: | probably true probably false impossible to verify |
The AI Focus
Today, artificial intelligence can create deceptively realistic texts and images, including those that are deliberately manipulative, exaggerated, or misleading.
Imagine that an AI wrote the following text, which is deliberately sensationalist, emotional, and not confidence-inspiring. In the text, facts are exaggerated, distorted, or even fabricated to attract attention or influence readers.
Now think about the following:
👉 What specific instructions (prompts) could have been given to the AI to generate such a text?
Additional information:
Put extra effort into your prompts! The teacher will try out the three best ones. The results will then be reviewed and discussed together in class.
Write your prompt here.
Sample prompt as a help card:
Write an exaggerated, sensationalist newspaper article on a topic of your choice. Use very emotional and dramatic language and deliberately present events in a one-sided manner. Invent harmless details or exaggerate statements without citing real sources. The text should clearly show how an article aims to attract attention rather than provide factual information, deliberately coming across as unreliable.
Reflection
Answer the following questions.
Rule of Thumb for Internet Information
Not everything on the internet is true even if it looks real.
Solution for teachers
🐦 Evaluation of tweets
Assess the tweets for credibility, document warning signs, and enter your final result:
| Tweet | Credible? | Warning signs | Final result |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Lack of scientific evidence; conspiracy theory language; no credible sources. | Unlikely to be credible; claims about oat milk being carcinogenic are not supported by scientific consensus. | |
| B | No scientific backing; sensational language; conspiracy theory elements. | Unlikely to be credible; 5G technology is widely studied and not shown to cause health issues as claimed. | |
| C | No scientific evidence; heavily conspiratorial; microchip claims widely debunked. | Unlikely to be credible; vaccine microchip theories are debunked and lack scientific support. |
Verification of information
Complete the verification steps and select the appropriate conclusion:
| Test step | Result |
|---|---|
| Source | supercoolnews.com |
| Other reports? | No confirmed reports from other credible sources |
| Evidence mentioned? | Claims of improved performance and memory retention |
| Suspected KI? | Yes, possibly unverified information |
| Conclusion: | Probably true Probably false Cannot be verified |
Write an article about the controversial use of cell phones in classrooms and their impact on student performance.
Highlight both the positive and negative aspects of cell phone usage in education.
Add fictional and sensational elements to capture attention while maintaining the complexity of the topic.
Mention various opinions and studies exploring the effects of cell phone usage.