Misinformation and disinformation cause disruption that results in real harm to people’s lives, including their physical and financial health. It also leads to a breakdown in public trust and undermines democracy. RMIT FactLab brings together fact checkers, academic experts, educators and students to help people build the capacity to think critically and tackle the deluge of false information.
Apart from RMIT’s Fact-Checking & Verification course, students from any discipline can boost their fact-checking skills. RMIT FactLab provides the opportunity to learn with the highly popular Fact Check Micro Credential. This 90-minute online course is endorsed by the ABC and free to all RMIT students. It provides the fundamentals of fact-checking, from tips on how to spot misinformation and disinformation to where to find the most reliable sources. On passing the course, students earn a digital badge that they can publish on all their social media profiles.
RMIT FactLab also provides real world experience through its internship program. Students work alongside professional fact checkers at RMIT ABC Fact Check, engaging in forensic research and helping produce content for platforms such as ABC Online and the weekly debunking newsletter, CoronaCheck.
I loved working with Sushi and the team at Fact Check! I improved my research skills and was able to gain a practical understanding of what life is like in a modern newsroom. This internship was a great experience for me as a young journalist.
Thanks again for everything during my internship! It was a really worthwhile and helpful experience :))
Student Testimonial from Emile Pavilich
In collaboration with the International Fact-Checking Network, RMIT FactLab is providing journalists in the Pacific region with fact-checking skills to boost their capacity to protect their communities from the harmful spread of disinformation online. Closer to home, RMIT FactLab works with ABC Education to provide interactive video lessons as a resource for teachers of Year 7 to 10 school students. Check out these Fact Check Essentials videos here.
Watch this space for more opportunities to keep up to scratch with the latest fact-checking skills!
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.