Kerala schools will now be teaching students how to identify and combat fake news, with the addition of ‘Fake News Detection’ modules to the ICT textbooks for Classes 5 and 7. This initiative aims to enhance students’ digital literacy skills and equip them with tools to navigate the online world safely. The move comes as part of the state’s broader efforts to educate children on the importance of fact-checking and verifying information they come across.
K Anvar Sadath, CEO of Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE), expressed that the new ICT textbooks include chapters focused on helping students recognize fake news and malicious content, aligning with the motto of Satyameva Jayate. These chapters not only educate students on how to spot fake news but also emphasize the significance of verifying the authenticity of information they encounter.
In addition to the ‘Fake News Detection’ modules, the Class 5 textbook features a chapter on ‘Let’s Search the Internet,’ which includes guidance on effective screen time management. Similarly, the Class 7 textbook contains a chapter titled ‘Let’s Search and Find,’ which delves into the importance of verifying information and underscores the legal ramifications of spreading false information.
This move builds upon Kerala’s prior initiatives to promote digital media literacy among students. In 2022, KITE conducted training sessions for over 19.72 lakh students in Grades 5 to 10, focusing on preventing fake news and understanding its societal impact. The Kerala Government plans to expand these modules to include ICT textbooks for Classes 6, 8, 9, and 10 in the upcoming academic year. Additionally, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI), making Kerala one of the pioneering states in India to incorporate AI education at the school level.
