WISE-ME: The right use of social media to face disinformation and fake news

Abstract

This paper explores the role of social media in education and the need for digital and media literacy in schools. The use of technology in the classroom requires not only technological competencies but also engagement in collaborative and socially engaging learning. The proliferation of fake news, junk news, hoaxes and conspiracy theories through social media poses a challenge for educators in teaching critical thinking and digital citizenship. Social networks as a TRIC tool are a way to reinforce the digital behaviour of an analogic citizen. The penetration of digital at increasingly younger ages, high consumption and poor media training create a pernicious breeding ground for today's students, tomorrow's social critical mass. Students need formative responses that start from the teaching staff in turn develop in multidirectionality. At the same time, it examines and analyzes cross-study the state of digital literacy among students and teachers and explores the potential of social media as a tool to combat misinformation in the classroom.  The analysis aims to consider and review the foundations for educational policies and curricular training to ensure the successful implementation of digital and media literacy education.