Disinformation and Digital Citizenship is a Learning Circle that meets weekly to discuss disinformation and its effect on civic institutions and society during an election year. We will meet via Zoom for one hour from 3-4pm for four sessions. The group size is capped at 20.
Learning circles are small groups of individuals who explore an area of shared interest through discussion in a collaborative, friendly, and mutually supportive environment. They are not structured classes—there is no powerpoint! Selected materials (articles, essays, or videos) about disinformation and media literacy are emailed to participants before each meeting, then discussion of the readings takes place during the sessions. The circles are highly interactive and are facilitated by Librarians. Readings and/or videos will be emailed to participants 4-7 days before the class.
Each session of Disinformation and Digital Citizenship has a particular focus within the general subject. In three of our four meetings, we will have experts in that session’s focus who can answer questions and participate in the discussion in an informal give-and-take.
Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions, but it is not necessary. If one session’s focus speaks to you more than the others, please feel free to register for it as a standalone. No Boston Public Library Card is necessary.
October 21, 2020: Session 1, Disinformation and Digital Citizenship: Introduction and Overview.
Let’s get started! In this introductory session we will read/watch 3 or 4 short articles/videos about media literacy and disinformation, providing an overview of the issue, examples, effects, and why it is important.
October 28, 2020: Session 2, Disinformation and Digital Citizenship: Disinformation and Voter Suppression. We read/watch 3-4 articles/videos about the 2020 election, disinformation and misinformation, and the way it is used to suppress voting. Our guest will be Rose Lang-Maso, Social Media Monitoring Manager, Common Cause. Ms. Lang-Maso will be available to answer questions and participate in our discussion, helping us understand the key points.
November 4, 2020: Session 3, Disinformation and Digital Citizenship: Disinformation and the First Amendment. We read/watch 3-4 articles/videos about balancing free speech and freedom of the press with the onslaught of disinformation. Guest TBA.
November 11, 2020: Happy Veteran’s Day. No Session Today
November 18, 2020: Session 4, Disinformation and Digital Citizenship: Disinformation and Election Psychology. We read/watch 3-4 articles/videos about the power of disinformation in effecting our behavior. Our guest will be Ryan D. Enos, PhD, Professor of Government, Harvard University. Ryan will be available to answer questions and participate in our discussion.
Here is the link to register:
https://bpl.bibliocommons.com/events/search/q=learning%20circle/event/5f87029c9aadc72f0056f0bc
Please pass the word on to anyone who might be interested!
Thanks.
Margaret Goodbody
Research Services Librarian
Boston Public Library
allregions@mblc.state.ma.us is a statewide discussion list for
Massachusetts libraries