OSU partners with Mexican professionals to combat disinformation
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Media Contact: Hailey Williams | Communications Specialist | 405-744-5496 | hwill21@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University recently partnered with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to create a unique program to train young Mexican professionals and students to identify and confront political disinformation.
The collaboration consisted of the School of Media and Strategic Communications, the English Language and Intercultural Center and the OSU-Mexico Office.
Given the ease with which information can be spread and accessed today, the seminar’s goal was to obtain strategies to engage in accurate and reliable information sharing, ensuring that people have access to transparent, unbiased and verified information worldwide.
Out of 80 program applicants 15 participants were selected from across Mexico. The program lasted three weeks, with the first two weeks conducted virtually and the final week held in Stillwater, allowing participants to get a taste of Cowboy culture. OSU’s Mexico Office helped to facilitate the work between OSU staff in Stillwater and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, whilethe ELIC worked on the logistics to help the participants arrive in Oklahoma.
After attending classes and seminars with communications professionals, the participants compiled what they learned into a public awareness campaign pitches over selected issues. They addressed severe issues facing the U.S. and Mexico. Their campaigns found ways to combat the problems directly and spread awareness about them through various means.
"I sort of fell in love with many aspects of Mexican culture and was really impressed with the talent of the cohort, as well as their enthusiasm and humor,” said Dr. Skye Cooley, SMSC professor and project lead. “Hearing their feedback about how much they loved being on campus and learning each day was a great reminder of our privilege working at OSU.”
Three SMSC faculty members collaborated on the academic aspects of the program alongside Cooley. Drs. Andrew Abernathy, Rosemary Avance and Nuurrianti Jalli each contributed to organizing the program, planning and teaching lessons, organizing group panels and mentoring the students through their final projects.
“I think these collaborations are important in terms of providing opportunities for exposure on both sides. The more familiar you are with people from other cultures, the easier it is to relate, communicate and collaborate,” said Emily Boersma, ELIC director.
In a world where technology allows information to be spread at the touch of a button, partnering with other countries helps to address issues that affect the global community.
“Impact can only be achieved through people,” said Mónica Ramos, OSU-Mexico executive director. “Meaningful global engagement initiatives always bring transformative outcomes at a personal level.”