Boost Your Digital Literacy and Online Search Skills
Increase your critical thinking skills and learn hands-on strategies for online searching techniques, to be more digitally literate when it comes to finding trusted sources on the internet.
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Sun 02 Nov
- TEC-subsidised course fee for qualifying learners: $20.00 incl. GST
- $85.00 incl. GST
Please note there is NO refund or transfer if you cancel less than 5 working days in advance of a class starting. Our refund policy can be read in full here.
Description
Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) course fee subsidy
This course offers a course fee subsidy through funding from the TEC for:
- NZ citizens;
- Those who hold a residency-class visa;
- Individuals granted refugee status;
- In some cases spouses of NZ citizens and permanent migrants may also qualify - please contact the office to enquire.
Conditions:
- Registrants must be aged 16 years or older.
- Registrants must not be currently enrolled at a secondary school.
- You should attend at least 80% of your classes to qualify for a fee subsidy.
- We need to collect extra information such as age, ethnicity, educational achievement and gender for statistical purposes.
- You must provide evidence of NZ citizenship, residency or refugee status.
If you are unable to meet these conditions, please contact the office to discuss your situation. The subsidised course fee is $20.
About the course
In a world where digital technology often overwhelms us with endless options and challenges, this course equips participants with the essential skills to navigate it effectively. You'll gain the tools to become more digitally literate, including finding trusted sources online, enhancing critical thinking, and mastering hands-on strategies like advanced search techniques, identifying credible information, and recognizing bias and misinformation. The course also explores practical tools for verification, such as reverse searches of websites and images, and dives into key topics like filter bubbles, echo chambers, artificial intelligence, and algorithmic bias.
Course outline
This one-day workshop will begin by defining digital literacy and identifying the issues in trying to source and verify authentic information such as filter bubbles, algorithms, bots and visual manipulation. A series of hands-on exercises will cover the following:
- Conducting online searches using key words and search engine help features;
- Finding the primary sources of information;
- Learning to read laterally to understand your own biases and emotional responses;
- Recognising disinformation, fake news and AI generated images etc;
- Conducting reverse searches.
Expected learning outcomes
- Confidently conduct online searches.
- Check the credibility of sources.
- Develop critical thinking skills in assessing reliability of online information.
- Fact check websites and conduct reverse searches to authenticate.
Who should attend?
People looking to develop essential research skills for personal day-to-day use, or for academic assignments, or work projects, with a focus on effectively accessing and authenticating reliable sources of information; People of any age wishing to improve their critical thinking and digital literacy skills.
What to bring
This course will take place in a PC suite at Selwyn College, but bring your own laptop if you prefer. While your tutor will provide handouts, a pen for note-taking is also advisable.
About your tutor, Dr Philippa Smith
I'm passionate about equipping people with the skills to thrive in today's information-saturated world. As an independent new media consultant, I specialise in helping individuals and organisations confidently navigate the complexities of the digital landscape. Previously, as an Associate Professor at Auckland University of Technology, I taught critical media studies, guiding students in analysing the power and pitfalls of new media. With a PhD in Communication and Sociolinguistics, I bring a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities of our digital age. Join my workshop and discover how to make the most of digital opportunities while avoiding the traps.
