In advance of the upcoming presidential election, teachers visited Leinster to join a panel discussion that explored the themes of misinformation and disinformation in democracy.
The Houses of the Oireachtas parliamentary education team delivered the short blended course tailored for teachers. Consisting of three sessions over three weeks, the first two were conducted online. The third session took place in the historic Reading Room in Leinster House, used with the kind permission of the Library & Research Service in the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Participants in the presidential panel discussion
The panel of speakers included Deputy Malcolm Byrne, Cathaoirleach of the Committee on Artificial Intelligence; Mr. Art O’Leary, chief executive An Coimisiún Toghcháin/The Electoral Commission; Ms Jane McGarrigle, national co-ordinator of Webwise; and Mr. Cian O'Flannagáin, a member of the Webwise youth panel.
Contributions from the panellists were extremely interesting and enjoyed by all in attendance as evidenced by the lively questions and answers session.