Open Journal of Social Sciences > Vol.8 No.7, July 2020. Digital Deceit: Fake News, Artificial Intelligence, and Censorship in Educational Research, Joanna Black, Cody Fullerton. Department of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning, Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.DOI: 10.4236/jss.2020.87007

“Never has it been more urgent for educators to be aware of the perils of research in education using digital searches in today’s world of disinformation, misinformation, artificial intelligence and censorship. As a result, we are more reliant on strong researchers than ever before. In the discipline of Education, students are often asked to research issues pertaining to curricula, pedagogy, educational information and theories. Pupils are using Internet and digital library searches to gain knowledge within public and private K-12 schools and within higher education. In this article, an Educational Librarian and an Education Professor outline their approach to educating all Faculty of Education students about using digital platforms in relation to unmasking fake news, artificial intelligence (AI) usage, and increasing Internet censorship. Using case study research, we examined 34 Bachelor of Education students in training at the high school level who created environmental digital art projects. Information/media literacy was taught in order to provide students with the necessary tools to identify credible, diverse, well-informed, strong, and robust research. In addition, they needed to be able to discern when artificial intelligence was utilized. Outlined are students’ projects. Our findings include “top ten” practical suggestions for educators at all levels when teaching students about effective researching in our current digital era.”