Navigating Digital Literacy with Lateral Reading

The video discusses the importance of discerning information online, highlighting a Stanford study that found differences in how people evaluate digital content. It contrasts the vertical reading approach of students and professors with the lateral reading method used by professional fact checkers. Lateral reading involves checking multiple sources to verify information. The video emphasizes teaching lateral reading to improve digital literacy and help students become more informed citizens.

Why is it important to question the source of information in the current era?

• Because information is always from experts.

• Because information is always from reliable sources.

• Because information is often misleading.

• Because information is always accurate.

What was the main focus of the Stanford History Education Group's study?

• To study the behavior of professional fact checkers.

• To find the most effective methods for evaluating digital information.

• To determine the best websites for information.

• To compare different universities.

How did many undergraduates and professors evaluate websites?

• By checking multiple sources.

• By reading laterally.

• By focusing on the site's aesthetics and appearance.

• By ignoring the site's look.

What is a common misconception about .org domains?

• They require a character test.

• They are always reliable.

• Anyone can buy a .org domain.

• They are only for non-profit organizations.

What approach do professional fact checkers use to evaluate information?

• Lateral reading.

• Vertical reading.

• Ignoring the website.

• Reading only the homepage.

What did professional fact checkers do when landing on an unfamiliar site?

• Focused on the site's graphics.

• Spent a lot of time reading the site closely.

• Opened new tabs and read laterally.

• Ignored the site.

What percentage of Stanford students were able to link the Employment Policies Institute to Richard Berman?

• 80%

• 60%

• 40%

• 20%

What is the main benefit of lateral reading according to the research?

• It requires less effort.

• It is easier.

• It is faster.

• It helps find better information.

What do students need to become skilled at lateral reading?

• To ignore unreliable sources.

• To focus on a single site.

• Examples and practice with a range of sources.

• A long checklist of questions.

How does lateral reading help students?

• It makes them better at memorizing information.

• It helps them ignore unreliable sources.

• It helps them become more informed and thoughtful members of society.

• It makes them faster readers.