This week Banks discussed with the class that as we are now in an age where truth is more fluid then ever, it is especially important to examine other's motivations and biases for the information they produce. When evaluating information found online, it's important to be detective-like. Find out if something is a high quality information source Determine whether it is someone's opinion, or is the material backed up by evidence that it is reputable and reliable. It should reference other high quality information sources in order to support its claims. The website should be a recognised and high profile organisation, or from a reputable individual. If someone trying to sell you an idea or a product, there will be a higher chance of bias and misinformation. There is a huge difference between student blog or the blog of an experienced professional.
One way to develop and enhance critical thinking skills is to ask questions and then answer them. For example: What is the author's main argument? What biases might be influencing the author's contention? What is the message I'm supposed to understand? What evidence is there to support this argument/message?
Next week we will be exploring the building blocks of an argument.