Chapter 6
What to Consider When Accessing Internet Sources
In: Technology and LearningSearch for other papers by Rosemary Sage in
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Abstract
This chapter considers the practice of false information, which has been increasingly available on the World Wide Web, and is a danger to reliable, effective learning. This misrepresentation has engendered much distrust in populations, leading to polarised views, anger and fear, which is tearing society apart. How to evaluate information sources for judgement about their reliability and validity is crucial, particularly for students, who need a fair, unbiased, broad perspectives in their learning experiences, in order to develop proper judgements. The fact that universities have been cracking down on ideas and materials that are unpopular amongst certain sections of society is an issue that must be addressed if truth and knowledge is to be valued and supported. Free speech has always been considered necessary for the progression of societies, but is in danger from today’s oppressive culture that cancels those whose views are not accepted by those in authority and control. This identity politics destroys democratic liberalism, which was fought for in previous generations and is now in danger of disappearing, due to narrow thinking and actions (Husain, 2021). Technology platforms are hastening this demise.