Introduction To Fact-checking

This introduction to fact-checking course is designed as a modular, incremental course that provides you with an introduction to how debunking and prebunking can be used to combat misleading or factually incorrect information..

This course uses learn-by-doing methodologies, and explores basic foundational concepts beginning with how fact-checking differs from other journalistic approaches, why it matters, and why  transparency and ethics are crucial for building public trust in the resulting debunks.

The course then also examines how fact-checking ensures accuracy and accountability in the media itself, and offers practical insights and techniques for verifying content across a diverse set of  formats.

The final modules investigate how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is impacting on fact-checking and other editorial workflows and also introduces tools that can be used in the fact-checking process.

After completing this course, you will be able to: 

1. Recognise the significance of fact-checking in the context of journalism, information dissemination, and public discourse in upholding accuracy, accountability, and ethical standards in journalism and information sharing.
2. Critically analyse information, sources, and claims, fostering a sceptical and investigative mindset.
3. Acquire practical skills and techniques for verifying information, including assessing sources, cross-referencing data, and identifying common misinformation tactics.
4. Recognize and address emerging challenges in the digital age, including deep fakes, AI-generated content, and other evolving misinformation tactics.
5. Explain the intersection of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, and fact-checking, and understand how technological trends impact the field.
6. Cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation to stay current with evolving information landscapes and fact-checking methodologies.

Target audience:

Journalists, media professionals, who are responsible for reporting and disseminating news, benefit from honing fact-checking skills to ensure accuracy and credibility. Fact-checkers, whether affiliated with media organisations, dedicated platforms, or independent initiatives, are a key audience seeking to refine their verification expertise.

Freelance and independent content creators, Advocates and social commentators / Analysts, Mass communication students, Public Relation Officers may also benefit from this course.

Total time of commitment:

5 hours