Now more than ever our students are getting bombarded with information and opinions in all forms of media. Therefore, it’s more important than ever that we help them recognize the differences between facts and opinions. Common Craft recently released a new video that can help students understand the differences between facts and opinions.

Facts and Opinions Explained by Common Craft uses examples of print journalists and television commentators ti help viewers understand why it is important to fact-check when they hear or read something that is presented as fact.

More resources on facts and opinions:

Factitious is a game for testing your skill at identifying fake and misleading news stories. The game was recently updated to include content related to the COVID-19 pandemic. To play Factitious simply go to the site and select quick start. You’ll then see an article appear on the screen. Read through the article, click the source listed at the bottom, and then select either the green check mark or red X to indicate whether or not you think the article is a real news story. After you make your selection you’ll get instant feedback and an explanation of how you can tell if the article was a real or fake news story.

Checkology is a service that is designed to help students develop those skills. Checkology offers interactive modules for students to complete. Each of the modules is comprised of between twenty and forty-seven instructional video clips and interactive comprehension checks. The four of the modules are titled Info Zones, Democracy’s Watchdog, Practicing Quality Journalism, and Misinformation. As you might expect, the contents of the modules gets progressively more difficult as each section is completed.

Disclosure: I have a long-standing, in-kind relationship with Common Craft.