After reading The Information Diet, I was able to reflect on my information consumption. I reflected on how much information I consumed and where I consumed it from. After reflecting, I was able to learn how to better consume information which directly impacts my practice.
These are things I learned to be a better consumer: consume consciously, consume locally, have a variety of places I consume information from, and consume with less advertisements. Consuming consciously means being aware of the kind of information I’m consuming. I need to be intentional with the kind of information I’m consuming, in other words, what’s the purpose of consuming that information? Consuming consciously also means being aware of how much time I spend consuming information. It’s important to create a flexible schedule that allows for time to consume information as well as breaks. It’s also important to consume locally. Before looking to consume information in other places, I should consider consuming information from local places and communities I’m part of. In addition, it’s important to consume information with low advertisements. As consumers, we tend to get sucked into advertisements and brand loyalty when it comes to consuming information. Finally, if I am consuming information, it’s crucial to be consuming information with diverse perspectives. If I continue to consume information I already agree with, confirmation bias will be at play. These are just some of my big takeaways from The Information Diet.
Now how does this impact my practice? The kind of information I’m consuming directly impacts my practice because it will get passed on to my students. If my information consumption isn’t diverse, then I’m not providing students with information with various diverse perspectives. In addition, if I’m not being intentional with the kind of information I’m consuming, then I could just be giving my students information that isn’t relevant, true, or important. Knowing how to consume information allows me to model data literacy to my own students. With this model, they’ll be able to be literate themselves when it comes to consuming information.
I totally get what you mean! After reading "The Information Diet," I've been thinking a lot about my own info consumption too. Your tips on conscious consumption, local sources, and avoiding too many ads make a lot of sense. Thanks for sharing this insight! 👍
ReplyDeleteI think it is completely true that what we are doing for ourselves, reflects back onto our students. We are their models and we should be showing our students how we should be consuming information and be deliberate in our searching for information.
ReplyDeleteIn this very polorized political age, I am very conscious about believing what my mother tells me. Her news is one sided, her friends are one sided, everything she does is one sided. I make sure to check multiple news sources for information and different sides of the political spectrum. Mayt not agree with everything I see but at least I have informed myself. My mother and I have conversations about being a teacher and she legit tries to tell me how to do my job, since she raised kids 30+ years shes an expert. ha, ok. I just let her vent I don't try and argue with her because that just wastes my time a breath. I have learned that it has helped me SO much mentally. I don't get wrapped up in whatever topic she is obsessed about this week. I call it unplugging, I have to unplug from conversations (not just with my mother) but others so I don't feel mentally drained. I can't make people do or think other things, so therefore I just remove myself from the situation.
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