Lesson Plan
Digital Footprints: Online Kindness Lesson Plan
Students will understand what a digital footprint is, recognize the permanence of online actions, and develop strategies for kind and responsible online communication.
To equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world safely and positively, fostering empathy and accountability in their online interactions.
Audience
Middle School Students (6-8th Grade)
Time
50-60 minutes
Approach
Case studies, group discussions, and a creative project.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Digital Footprints Slide Deck, Online Kindness Discussion Guide, and Digital Citizen Project Guide
Prep
Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Digital Footprints Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print or prepare for digital distribution the Online Kindness Discussion Guide and the Digital Citizen Project Guide.
- Ensure technology (projector/computer) is ready for the slide deck presentation.
- Arrange students into small groups of 3-4 for discussions and activities.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What's Your Digital Trail?
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "What do you think happens to everything you post, share, or like online? Does it ever really disappear?"
- Facilitate a brief class discussion, noting initial thoughts on the board. Introduce the term "digital footprint."
Step 2
Introduction to Digital Footprints
10 minutes
- Present the Digital Footprints Slide Deck (Slides 1-4) to define digital footprint and explain its permanence (both passive and active).
- Use engaging examples relevant to middle school students, such as social media posts, gaming interactions, and shared photos.
- Prompt students to consider the positive and negative aspects of a lasting digital footprint.
Step 3
Case Studies: Online Kindness Scenarios
15 minutes
- Divide students into small groups.
- Distribute the Online Kindness Discussion Guide which contains 2-3 short case studies involving common online interactions (e.g., cyberbullying, misinformation, positive peer support).
- Instruct groups to read each scenario and discuss the questions provided in the guide, focusing on the impact of actions and how to respond with kindness and empathy.
Step 4
Group Discussion and Share Out
10 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Have each group share one key takeaway or a solution from their case study discussions.
- Facilitate a larger class discussion using the prompts from the Online Kindness Discussion Guide, reinforcing the importance of thinking before posting and the concept of online empathy.
Step 5
Project Introduction: Digital Citizen Design
10 minutes
- Introduce the Digital Citizen Project Guide.
- Explain that students will work individually or in pairs to create a public service announcement (PSA), poster, or short video promoting positive digital citizenship and online kindness.
- Review the project requirements and rubric (if applicable) outlined in the guide.
- Answer any student questions and allow them to brainstorm initial ideas.
Slide Deck
Digital Footprints: Navigating Online Kindness
Your actions online last longer than you think!
Welcome students and introduce the concept of digital footprints. Emphasize that this lesson is about understanding their online presence and being kind. Ask students to think about what they already know about online safety or privacy.
What is a Digital Footprint?
- Every trace you leave online
- Posts, comments, likes, photos, videos, searches, websites visited
- It's both active (things you share) and passive (data collected about you)
- Think of it as your online reputation!
Explain that a digital footprint is like a trail of breadcrumbs you leave everywhere you go online. Discuss both 'active' (things you post) and 'passive' (data collected about you) footprints. Ask students for examples of things that create a digital footprint.
It Lasts Longer Than You Think!
- The internet has a long memory!
- Once something is posted, shared, or liked, it can be seen by many people, even years later.
- Screenshots, downloads, and shares mean content can spread quickly.
- Your digital footprint can impact your future opportunities (jobs, college, etc.).
Emphasize that once something is online, it's very difficult to remove completely. Discuss how future colleges, employers, or even friends might view their past online content. Use relatable examples, without being fear-mongering.
Online Actions, Real-World Impact
- Your online actions affect others and yourself.
- Kindness, respect, and empathy are just as important online as they are offline.
- What message are you sending about yourself and your values?
Introduce the idea that online actions have real-world consequences and impact. Connect their online behavior to their personal values. Ask: "How does what you say or do online make others feel?"
Let's Discuss: Online Kindness Scenarios
- Work in small groups.
- Read each case study carefully.
- Discuss the questions provided in your Online Kindness Discussion Guide.
- Be ready to share your group's insights with the class!
Transition to the activity. Explain the purpose of the case studies: to apply their understanding of digital footprints and online kindness to real-life scenarios. Explain how the groups will work and what the goal is.
Share Your Insights
- Each group will share one key takeaway or a thoughtful solution from your discussions.
- What was challenging about the scenarios?
- What did you learn about being a kind digital citizen?
After the group discussions, bring the class back together for a whole-class share out. Facilitate a discussion around key themes and responsible online behavior. Encourage students to listen to each other's perspectives.
Project Time: Digital Citizen Design
- It's your turn to be the expert!
- Create a PSA, poster, or short video to promote positive digital citizenship and online kindness.
- Check the Digital Citizen Project Guide for all the details and requirements.
- Let's make the internet a better place!
Introduce the project. Explain that this is their chance to teach others about being good digital citizens. Go over the project options and where they can find the detailed instructions in the Digital Citizen Project Guide.
Discussion
Online Kindness Discussion Guide
Welcome to our discussion on navigating online interactions with kindness and empathy. In your groups, you will read through a few scenarios that often happen online. Discuss the questions for each scenario, thinking about how your digital footprint is created and how your actions impact others. Be ready to share your group's thoughts with the class!
Scenario 1: The "Funny" Comment
Alex sees a photo of a new student, Maya, posted by another classmate, Sam. In the comments, several students are making jokes about Maya's outfit. Alex thinks the jokes are a little mean but doesn't want to be the only one who doesn't laugh. Alex considers adding a sarcastic comment or just liking the other comments.
Discussion Questions:
- What is Alex's digital footprint at stake here? How might their choice impact it?
- What are the potential impacts of Alex adding a sarcastic comment or liking the other comments on Maya and the overall online environment?
- What are some kind and empathetic ways Alex could respond (or not respond)?
- If you were Maya, how would you feel seeing those comments?
Scenario 2: The "Spreading the Word" DM
Jamie receives a direct message (DM) from a friend, Chris, about a rumor regarding another classmate, Leo. Chris says, "Don't tell anyone, but I heard Leo got suspended for cheating!" Jamie knows Leo and is surprised. Jamie considers forwarding the DM to another friend, Taylor, to see if Taylor has heard anything, but then remembers that Chris said "Don't tell anyone."
Discussion Questions:
- If Jamie forwards the DM, how does this contribute to Jamie's and Chris's digital footprint?
- What are the potential negative consequences of spreading rumors online, even in private messages?
- What responsibility does Jamie have in this situation, and what would a kind digital citizen do?
- How can misinformation or rumors spread quickly online, and why is it important to verify information before sharing?
Scenario 3: The Unanswered Message
Maria posts a story on social media asking for help with a challenging math problem. Her friend, David, sees the post and knows how to solve it. David considers replying with the answer but is busy playing a game online and decides to just keep playing, thinking someone else will probably help Maria.
Discussion Questions:
- How might David's inaction (or action, if he were to help) contribute to his digital footprint?
- What is the impact of not responding to a friend in need online, even if it's not a direct request?
- In what ways can online platforms be used to support and uplift friends and classmates?
- What are some strategies for balancing online activities with being present and supportive to friends?
Project Guide
Digital Citizen Design Project Guide
Objective
To empower you to educate your peers on online kindness, empathy, and responsible digital footprints. Your task is to create a powerful message that encourages positive online behavior.
Project Options (Choose ONE):
Option 1: Public Service Announcement (PSA) Script
Create a script for a 1-2 minute video or audio PSA. Your script should:
- Clearly define a positive online behavior (e.g., thinking before you post, being an upstander, fact-checking information).
- Include a scenario or example that illustrates the importance of this behavior.
- Feature a catchy slogan or call to action.
- Be written for a middle school audience.
Option 2: Digital Kindness Poster
Design a poster (digital or physical) that promotes online kindness and responsible digital footprints. Your poster should:
- Include a main message or slogan that is clear and impactful.
- Use visuals (drawings, graphics, photos) to convey your message.
- Provide 2-3 actionable tips for being a kind digital citizen.
- Be visually appealing and easy to understand from a distance.
Option 3: Short Educational Video
Plan and outline a concept for a short (1-2 minute) educational video. You will not produce the video, but you will create a detailed plan including:
- A clear theme related to online kindness or digital footprints.
- A storyboard showing key scenes, visuals, and text/dialogue.
- A brief description of the target audience and the intended impact.
- A list of resources (e.g., music, images, video clips) you would use (no need to actually find them).
Key Elements for All Options:
- Clear Message: What specific aspect of online kindness or digital footprints are you focusing on?
- Target Audience: Remember you are creating this for other middle school students.
- Positive Tone: Focus on what to do, not just what not to do.
- Creativity: Be original and engaging!
- Impact: How will your creation make others think differently about their online actions?
Project Steps:
- Brainstorm (10 minutes): Think about the different aspects of online kindness and digital footprints we discussed. What message do you feel is most important to share? What format would best convey this message?
- Plan Your Project (15-20 minutes): Outline your chosen project. For a script, write bullet points for scenes. For a poster, sketch your layout. For a video, create a simple storyboard.
- Create Your Draft (Remaining class time + homework): Begin developing your chosen project, ensuring it meets the key elements and specific requirements for your option.
Assessment:
Your project will be assessed based on:
- Clarity and effectiveness of the message.
- Creativity and originality.
- Adherence to chosen option requirements.
- Demonstration of understanding of digital footprints and online kindness.
Good luck, and have fun being a digital citizen designer!