Week 10: Overview

Overview

This week starts with a deep dive into bias, deciphering media bias, and deductive and inductive reasoning. You will find it a challenging, worthwhile reading.

In addition to bias, you are learning about the importance of Data Literacy. After reading How to build data literacy in your company Links to an external site., you will add this skill to your LinkedIn profile and Indeed applications. The videos present additional concrete examples. Next, you learn about Paywalls and Open Access. Paywalls are not an equitable practice, whereas Open Access has transformed the world of academic publications. Watch the video from the WHO to learn why this is a big step forward in providing equitable access to everyone.  You will dig deeper into the Bias and Confirmation Bias with a short screencast and a video. You dive into understanding how bias affects our media, but you'll start looking at journalism. The big takeaway is that good journalism is ethical. The power of journalism of all stripes shapes our opinions, but much of it seems biased. The video "Woman Burned by McDonald's Hot Coffee" is an example of how the information news cycle works. I'm curious about your reaction. 

Do you feel you are a power Google searcher? Then, you will test your skills using Google Advanced Search. You will emerge with even more extraordinary powers by the end of this module and ace the assignment. 

You may have learned about Logical Fallacies in an English class. If you haven't or want to refresh your knowledge, there is an extra credit assignment.  

By the end of this week, you will be able to:

  • extend your understanding of confirmation bias
  • recognize the importance of data literacy
  • understand the equitable access differences between Paywalls and Open Access
  • recognize other variations of bias, including media, news, and journalistic bias, as well as point-of-view
  • effectively use Google Advanced Search using search techniques for searching the open web 

Weekly Schedule

This week, access and read through the course content. Then, write an INITIAL DISCUSSION POST by FRIDAY, MAY 6TH at 11:59 PM. You will then need to respond to others in the class in the weekly discussion. Your RESPONSE POST is due by SUNDAY, MAY 8TH at 11:59 PM.

In addition, the following assignments will be due this week by SUNDAY, MAY 8TH at 11:59 PMat 11:59 PM:

  • Check-in: Data Literacy (5 pts)
  • Bias Assignment (20 pts)
  • Advanced Google Search Assignment (20 pts)
  • Extra Credit Quiz: Logical Fallacies (5 pts)

This Week's Work

This week, you should plan to spend:

  • Approximately 2-4 hours reading and reviewing course material
  • Approximately 4-6 hours doing discussions, assignments, and activities