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Digital Citizenship Decoded

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Lesson Plan

Digital Citizenship Decoded

Students will be able to identify key aspects of online etiquette, understand basic online safety measures, and practice respectful interaction in digital environments. They will develop responsible decision-making skills for navigating the digital world.

In our increasingly digital world, understanding how to be a good digital citizen is essential for students' safety, well-being, and future success. This lesson empowers students with the knowledge and skills to navigate online spaces responsibly and respectfully.

Audience

Middle School Students

Time

45-60 minutes

Approach

Through discussion, examples, and interactive activities, students will explore what it means to be a digital citizen.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Online Superpowers Slide Deck, Markers or Pens, Digital Citizenship Worksheet, and Digital Citizen Scenario Cards (optional)

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: What's Your Online Superpower?

5-7 minutes

  • Begin with a warm-up question: "What's one amazing thing you love to do online?" Allow students to share briefly.
    - Introduce the concept of "Digital Citizenship" using the Online Superpowers Slide Deck (Slide 1-2).
    - Explain that just like in real life, being online comes with responsibilities.

Step 2

Exploring Online Etiquette

10-12 minutes

  • Use the Online Superpowers Slide Deck (Slide 3-5) to discuss online etiquette (netiquette).
    - Cover topics like polite language, avoiding ALL CAPS, thinking before posting, and respecting privacy.
    - Facilitate a short class discussion with examples of good and bad online etiquette.

Step 3

Staying Safe Online

10-12 minutes

  • Transition to online safety using the Online Superpowers Slide Deck (Slide 6-8).
    - Discuss personal information, strong passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and talking to a trusted adult.
    - Emphasize the importance of critical thinking when encountering information online.

Step 4

Respectful Interaction & Cyberbullying

8-10 minutes

  • Address respectful interaction and cyberbullying with the Online Superpowers Slide Deck (Slide 9-11).
    - Define cyberbullying and its impact.
    - Discuss strategies for dealing with cyberbullying (blocking, reporting, telling an adult).
    - Encourage empathy and kindness in all online interactions.

Step 5

Application & Reflection

10-15 minutes

  • Distribute the Digital Citizenship Worksheet.
    - Students will complete the worksheet individually or in pairs, applying what they've learned.
    - (Optional Activity) Use Digital Citizen Scenario Cards for small group discussions about real-world online dilemmas.
    - Conclude with a brief sharing session where students discuss one new thing they learned or one way they plan to be a better digital citizen.
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Slide Deck

Your Online Superpowers!

What do you love to do online? Share with a partner!

Welcome students and start with a warm-up question to activate prior knowledge about online activities.

What is Digital Citizenship?

Being a good citizen, but online!
It means:

  • Using technology responsibly
  • Being safe
  • Being respectful to others

Introduce the main topic: Digital Citizenship. Explain that it's about being responsible and respectful online.

Netiquette: The Golden Rules of Online Manners

How we act and communicate online:

  • Be kind and polite (no yelling in ALL CAPS!)
  • Think before you post: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
  • Respect other people's privacy
  • Use appropriate language

Introduce the first key concept: Online Etiquette, or 'Netiquette'. Provide examples of good and bad online manners.

Think Before You Post!

Once it's online, it's usually there forever.

  • Could this hurt someone?
  • Is this something I want everyone to see?
  • Am I sharing too much personal information?

Discuss thinking before posting and the permanence of online content.

Quick Check: Good Netiquette or Not?

Scenario: Your friend posts a picture you don't like.
What should you do?
A) Post a mean comment back.
B) Ignore it.
C) Talk to your friend privately about it.
(Answer: C)

Engage students with a quick check for understanding or a scenario related to netiquette.

Stay Safe, Stay Smart!

Protecting yourself and your information online:

  • Keep personal information private (full name, address, phone number, school)
  • Create strong, unique passwords
  • Don't click on suspicious links or download unknown files

Transition to the second key concept: Online Safety. Emphasize protecting personal information.

Password Power!

Your password is like a secret key!

  • Make it long and mix letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Don't share it with anyone except trusted adults.
  • Change it if you think someone knows it.

Discuss the importance of strong passwords and recognizing scams.

When in Doubt, Ask an Adult!

If something online makes you feel uncomfortable, confused, or scared:

  • Tell a parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult immediately.
  • It's okay to ask for help!

Reinforce the idea of trusting your gut and talking to adults.

Be a Cyber-Superhero: Respectful Interaction

Treat others online as you would in person:

  • Be empathetic and kind.
  • Don't spread rumors or gossip.
  • Stand up for others if you see cyberbullying.

Introduce the third key concept: Respectful Interaction and address cyberbullying.

What is Cyberbullying?

Using digital technology to repeatedly upset or hurt someone.
It can be:

  • Mean texts or emails
  • Spreading rumors online
  • Posting embarrassing pictures or videos

Define cyberbullying and its effects.

Stop Cyberbullying in its Tracks!

If you or someone you know is being cyberbullied:

  • Don't respond to the bully.
  • Block them.
  • Save the evidence.
  • Tell a trusted adult.

Provide strategies for dealing with cyberbullying.

You are a Digital Citizen!

You have the power to make the internet a positive place.

  • Be responsible
  • Be safe
  • Be respectful
    What's one thing you'll do to be a better digital citizen?

Conclude with a summary of digital citizenship and encourage students to apply what they've learned.

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Worksheet

Digital Citizenship Worksheet

Name: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________

Part 1: Online Etiquette (Netiquette)

  1. Imagine you are chatting online with a classmate about a school project. What are three ways you can show good netiquette?






  2. Your friend posts something online that is not true about another person. What should you do? Why?






  3. Write down one example of bad netiquette and explain why it is considered bad.






Part 2: Online Safety

  1. List three pieces of personal information you should never share online with someone you don't know.



  2. Create a strong password using at least 8 characters, including uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.



  3. You receive an email from someone you don't know asking you to click on a link to win a prize. What should you do and why?






Part 3: Respectful Interaction & Cyberbullying

  1. How is being respectful online similar to being respectful in person?






  2. Define cyberbullying in your own words.






  3. If you see someone being cyberbullied, what are two actions you can take to help?






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Activity

Digital Citizen Scenario Cards

Instructions:

  1. Divide into small groups.
  2. Each group will receive a set of scenario cards.
  3. Read each scenario aloud within your group.
  4. Discuss the following questions for each scenario:
    • What is the digital citizenship dilemma in this situation?
    • What would you do in this situation?
    • What are the potential consequences of different actions?
    • What is the best way to handle this situation, demonstrating good digital citizenship?
  5. Be prepared to share your group's discussion for a few scenarios with the whole class.

Scenario Card 1: The Misleading Meme

Your friend shares a meme that makes fun of a new student in your class. It's really funny, and everyone in your group chat is laughing. You know the new student is shy and might be hurt if they saw it.












Scenario Card 2: The Online Game Argument

You are playing an online game with a team, and one of your teammates starts using really mean and aggressive language towards another player they don't know. The other player seems upset.












Scenario Card 3: The Suspicious Message

You receive a message from an unknown number that says,

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