Module 5: Activity – Apply Your Critical Thinking Skills
Introduction
It’s time to put your critical thinking abilities to the test! In this activity, you will evaluate different pieces of online content using the skills you’ve learned.
Applying your skills in real scenarios turns theory into practice. This activity encourages you to question, verify, and analyze information critically—skills you’ll use every day in navigating the digital world.
Scenarios for Practice:
- A viral social media post claims a new health trend boosts immunity instantly.
- Investigate the claim using trusted health sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Check the author’s credibility by researching their professional background and previous publications.
- An article from an unfamiliar website shares alarming statistics about campus safety.
- Cross-reference the statistics with official data from your college or reputable crime databases to confirm accuracy.
- Analyze the tone of the article. Does it use fear-based language to influence readers?
- A video claims a popular food brand uses harmful ingredients.
- Search for official statements from the brand and regulatory agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Use fact-checking platforms to verify the claim before accepting or sharing the information.
Reflection:
- What did you discover about the credibility of each scenario?
- How has this exercise changed the way you approach online content?
- How confident do you feel about your ability to fact-check in real-time?