Recent global challenges underscore the urgent need for a scientifically literate citizenry capable of differentiating between reliable information and mis-/disinformation.
26 August 2025
Veritas Building, Level 1, Room 20, 223 Antill Street Watson
This lecture explores how we can systematically develop capabilities to evaluate information, which extend beyond basic source credibility to evaluative practices essential for informed citizenship. Special attention is given to the dual challenge of AI: while artificial intelligence presents new forms of misinformation, it also offers unprecedented opportunities for human-AI collaboration in complex problem-solving tasks. The lecture concludes with practical implications for educational approaches that prepare students not just to identify misinformation, but to engage thoughtfully with the complex, evidence-rich challenges facing our societies, workplaces and global community.
Dr Sarah Digan is a lecturer in STEM education at the Australian Catholic University. Her research interest lies in developing young citizens’ capacity to critically evaluate evidence presented in the media, necessary for informed decision-making at a personal level and to contribute to democratic processes in society at large. Recently, she has designed a research project to assess how students engage in complex-problem solving skills for climate change adaptation, while collaborating with GenAI.
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