This course consists of seven modules focused on how to more effectively communicate trustworthy information in the digital world. After a short introduction video, starting in module 1 you will be exploring the effects of the digital ecosystem on science communication and the implications on social trust. We will help you distinguish between how digitalization aids but also threatens and/or creates problems for science communication and explain how the digital ecosystem is making the general public more vulnerable to misinformation.
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In module 2 you will unpack challenges that (social) scientists face when developing and disseminating knowledge in the age of misinformation.
Module 3 focuses on how journalists combat the threat of ‘fake news’ and at the same time ensure responsible and reliable reporting in today’s digital ecosystem. Model 4 aims to help you gain understanding about how evidence based policy making works. It will also provide you with examples of good practices in the context of information gathering, consumption or dissemination in relation to policy making. In module 5 we focus on what misinformation is, how it comes to be, why it can be a threat and how it can be monitored and evaluated. Module 6 zooms in on the Citizen’s perspective on science communication and strategies to engage citizens with digital SciCom. In Module 7 we will share some conclusions that stem from the body of work that developed the insights of this MOOC - the TRESCA project.
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Module 0
A welcome and introduction to the course. This module briefly explains the significance and relevance of the course content. It outlines various topics that will be discussed in the different modules and defines important concepts that will be explored throughout the modules.
WEEK 2
Module 1: The Digital Communication Ecosystem
Exploring the effects of the digital ecosystem on science communication and the implications on social trust.
WEEK 3
Module 2: The (Social) Scientist
Unpacking challenges (social) scientists face when developing and disseminating knowledge in the age of misinformation.
WEEK 4
Module 3: The Journalist
How do journalists combat the threat of “fake news “and ensure responsible and reliable reporting in the digital ecosystem?
WEEK 5
Module 4: The Policy Maker
How policy makers make decisions in light of competing opinions on scientific issues and the role of science communication in the policy making process.
WEEK 6
Module 5: The Misinformation Road is Paved with Good Intentions
How does the digital ecosystem facilitate the spread of misinformation as well as provide tools to combat misinformation?
WEEK 7
Module 6: The Citizens
Citizens’ perspectives on science communication and strategies to engage citizens with SciCom.
WEEK 8
Module 7: Conclusion
A review of the course content and concluding remarks.
