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Journalism 4
Microlearning Module
QUARTER 3 – Module 5
Ethical and Responsible Use of Sources
(Plagiarism and Fake News)

REGION XII - DIVISION OF SULTAN KUDARAT

Journalism 4
Microlearning Module (MLM)
Quarter 3 – Module 5: Ethical and Responsible Use of Sources
(Plagiarism and Fake News)
First Edition, 2024

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 MICROLEARNING MODULE

Name: ________________________Grade & Sec: ____________ Score: ________

Subject: ______________________ Quarter: _________ MLM No. _____
Teacher: ______________________________________________________________
Competency:
1. Explain plagiarism and fake news as issues concerning ethical and
responsible use of sources for news and other journalistic writings.

A. Look Back!
Why is it essential for journalists to verify the accuracy of their sources
and give proper credit to their writing?

What’s New?
As a budding writer, it is essential to study the ethical considerations
surrounding the use of sources in news and journalistic writings. Plagiarism
and fake news represent two significant challenges in journalism, where
integrity and credibility are essential. Plagiarism, the act of using someone
else's work without proper attribution, raises questions about ethical conduct
and honesty in writing. On the other hand, fake news, the deliberate spread
of false information to manipulate or deceive, underscores the importance of
verifying sources and upholding the truth in journalism.

Understanding and addressing these issues can cultivate a culture of

responsible sourcing, critical thinking, and ethical writing practices. Let us
learn about plagiarism and fake news to explore journalism with integrity and
respect for the truth.

B. What Is It?
Plagiarism and fake news are two different but equally important
concepts to be aware of in the digital age. Plagiarism occurs when someone
uses another person's ideas or words without giving them proper credit, which
is like taking someone else's work and pretending it is your own. On the other
hand, fake news is when false information is spread intentionally to deceive
people, often for political or financial gain. Both plagiarism and fake news can
have serious consequences, so it is crucial to always check sources, give credit
where it is due, and think critically about the information encountered online.

Ethical considerations play a crucial role in maintaining credibility and

integrity. Plagiarism, the act of using someone else's work without proper

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attribution, not only violates ethical standards but also damages the
trustworthiness of the writer. Journalists need to give credit where it is due
and uphold the integrity of their work by citing sources accurately.

Meanwhile, fake news presents a different ethical problem. The

deliberate spread of false information deceives the public and damages
responsible journalism. Journalists have a responsibility to verify the
accuracy of their sources and information before disseminating it to the
public. By promoting critical thinking and fact-checking, journalists can
combat the spread of fake news and uphold the ethical standards of their
profession.

Ethical and responsible use of sources in news and journalistic

writings are essential in maintaining credibility and trust with the readers. By
addressing the issues of plagiarism and fake news, journalists can uphold the
principles of honesty, integrity, and accuracy in their work.

C. Let’s try!

Plagiarism vs. Fake News: Which is More Harmful?

Prepare to engage in a debate in which your insights and arguments
will be crucial in deliberating whether plagiarism or fake news poses more
significant harm.

Directions:
1. The class will be divided into Team Plagiarism and Team Fake News.
Refer to the rubric for assessment.
2. Each team will have time to research and gather information and can
utilize online sources or classroom materials to enhance their
understanding of plagiarism and fake news.
3. Within your teams, formulate arguments to defend your stance on
whether plagiarism or fake news is more detrimental. Consider the
implications of each on individuals and society.
4. After the debate, reflect on the insights gained. Share your perspectives
on which side presented the most compelling arguments and provide
reasons for your assessment.

Guidelines:
1. Opening Statements (5 minutes each): Each team will take turns
presenting their opening statements, outlining their arguments and
reasons why plagiarism or fake news is more harmful.

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 2. Rebuttal (5 minutes each): After the opening statements, each team can
rebut the other team's arguments. Teams can ask each other questions
to clarify their arguments further or challenge their opponent's stance.

3. Closing Statements (5 minutes each): Finally, each team will present

their closing statements, summarizing their main points and
reinforcing why they believe their stance is correct.

Rubrics for Debate

Excellent Proficient Developing
Criteria
(15) (10) (5)
Information is
organized with clear Lacks clear
Information has
and compelling organization,
some organization,
Organization arguments, showing making
but arguments are
effective use of the arguments
not always clear.
debate graphic difficult to follow.
organizer.
Uses relevant facts Attempts to use
and examples that facts and Struggles to use
Use of Facts
clearly support their examples, but facts or examples
and
stance, showing an they are not to support claims
Examples
understanding of the always relevant or effectively.
topic. well-integrated.
Struggles to
Speaks clearly and Speaks with some speak clearly,
confidently, clarity but often relying heavily on
Speaking
maintaining relies on notes, notes and
Clearly
engagement with the with limited showing minimal
audience. engagement. audience
engagement.
Shows respect for Sometimes shows
Often interrupts
opponents, listening respect but may
Respect for and shows
attentively and interrupt or not
Opponents limited respect to
responding fully engage with
opponents.
thoughtfully. opponents.

D. Let’s Evaluate

Directions: In a separate sheet of paper, write an essay on the given sentence

prompt. Refer to the rubric for scoring.

1. Imagine you are a superhero called "Digital Journalist." Explain what it

means to be a responsible digital campus journalist. Discuss why it is
important to always check sources, give credit to others for their work,
and think critically about the information you see online. Use examples
from your own experiences or things you have learned to support your
ideas.

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 _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

2. Pretend you are a detective investigating a case of fake news. Describe

what fake news is and why it can be harmful. Then, explain how you
would use your skills to spot fake news online. What clues would you
look for? What questions would you ask yourself to determine if a news
story is true or false? Share your strategies for staying safe and smart
online.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Rubrics for Essay
Criteria 3 - Proficient 2 - Developing 1 - Beginning
Essay includes a
Essay lacks a
clear Essay has a
clear structure,
introduction, recognizable
making it difficult
body, and structure, but
Content & to distinguish
conclusion. Ideas transitions or
Organization between
are well- logical
introduction,
organized and sequencing may
body, and
logically be lacking.
conclusion.
sequenced.
Essay attempts to
Essay clearly Essay struggles
address the
addresses the to address the
prompt, but some
prompt with prompt, with
details may be
Clarity & Focus specific, relevant many irrelevant
irrelevant or
details. The main details or a
vague. Main idea
idea is supported missing main
is present but not
throughout. idea.
fully developed.
Numerous errors
Few to no errors Some errors in
in grammar,
in grammar, grammar,
spelling, and
Grammar & spelling, and spelling, and
punctuation,
Mechanics punctuation, not punctuation that
significantly
interfering with may distract or
interfering with
readability. confuse readers.
readability.
Uses sources Attempts to use
effectively to sources, but
Fails to effectively
Use of Sources (If support integration may
use or cite
applicable) arguments. be awkward, or
sources.
Sources are cited citations may be
correctly. incorrect.

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E. References

Alkuino, Gelly Elegio. 2017. Campus Journalism in the New Generation.

General Santos City: GenSan RFM (Motong) Printing Corporation.

Bulusan, Ferdinand. 2016. Campus Journalism within your reach. Quezon

City: LORIMAR Publishing Inc.

Nylearns.org - Functions of a newspaper by newspapers in Education

program. Available at:
https://www.nylearns.org/module/content/search/item/3623/viewd
etail.ashx (Accessed: 20 April 2024

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This Microlearning Module has been developed by DepEd -

Division of Sultan Kudarat for educational purposes only. It is
designed to supplement classroom instruction and should not be
used as the sole source of information. Teachers are encouraged to
exercise their professional discretion and tailor the content to suit
their students' individual needs.

This resource is the exclusive property of DepEd-Division of

Sultan Kudarat and is accessible to enrolled learners solely for
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this material in any form is strictly prohibited.

REGION XII - DIVISION OF SULTAN KUDARAT