The Xeno-tolerance project- a useful tool in doing quality research

Abstract

The article presents some ideas promoted by the European project Xeno-tolerance 2015-1-FR01-KA202-015143 as they were implemented by EuroEd Foundation Iasi. The paper narrows down the project’s ambitious goal (prevention and fight against radicalisation) to one aspect where any student may be vulnerable: the authenticity and credibility of internet resources and databases. The experiment carried out on students (studying medicine and oenology) familiarised them with the criteria they could apply in assessing the credibility of websites they often use when doing research on the internet. It also helped them distinguish between facts and opinions. This ability enhanced their chances to distinguish opinion from informationwhich sometimes aims at manipulating readers’ opinions. The activities suggested enabled students not only to enrich their vocabulary and practise language structures in the target language but also to diagnose the social realities of the environment, detect unauthentic sources, evaluate and select the most adequate resources, including social media.