E-Learning as a Way to Tackle Fake News: A Case From Bulgaria

Abstract

This paper intends to address the question: Does distance electronic learning contribute to quality education? It is argued that new opportunities for acquiring essential skills and tools necessary to tackle various challenges successfully are opened, with combating fake news being cited as a significant example. To substantiate our hypothesis, opinions from learners and teachers on two key issues were initially focused on: the effectiveness of distance electronic learning and levels of media literacy in Bulgaria. This was based on open sources, utilizing the results of four published surveys, media materials, and an international report. Some surveys broadly represent the country’s university population, while others reflect the opinions of students and faculty from a limited number of universities. A defined concept of fake news was then introduced and utilized throughout the study. Additionally, a case study was presented in Bulgaria, where 52 political science students studying Conflict Management were tasked with distinguishing between real and fake news during their online classes. Since fake news primarily proliferates through social media and the internet, the capacity to combat it must be developed within virtual environments. Existing e-learning platforms facilitate the implementation and practice of these skills, which continue to evolve.