Warm-Up: Your Digital Footprint

Think about all the places you visit and things you do online in a week.

1. What are 3-5 words or phrases that describe your online activities?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Imagine your online activities leave actual footprints. What would those footprints look like (e.g., big, small, colorful, plain)? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Cool-Down: My Cyber Pledge

Now that we've talked about being a responsible digital citizen, what is ONE thing you will commit to doing to make the cyberworld a better and safer place, starting today?

My Cyber Pledge:

I, ___________________________________, pledge to ___________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
 
 
Signature: ________________________________
Date: ____________________________________

Teacher Script: Navigating the Cyberworld

5 Minutes: Warm-Up: Digital Footprints

(Display Warm-Up: Digital Footprints for students to see. Give them a minute or two to jot down their initial thoughts before beginning the discussion.)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to start thinking about our lives online. I want you to take a look at the questions on the screen (or on your handout) for our warm-up called Warm-Up: Digital Footprints."

"Think about all the places you visit and things you do online in a week. What are 3-5 words or phrases that describe your online activities? Don't worry about being perfect, just write down what comes to mind first."

"Now, for the second question: Imagine your online activities leave actual footprints. What would those footprints look like? Big? Small? Colorful? Plain? And why? This is a fun way to think about how our online actions are visible."

(After a minute or two)

"Alright, let's hear some of your ideas. Can a few people share some words that describe their online activities?"

(Call on 2-3 students. Affirm responses.)

"And what about those imaginary footprints? What did some of you come up with?"

(Call on 2-3 students. Connect their answers to the idea that our online actions have an impact.)

"Great job! This warm-up helps us think about our online presence, which is exactly what we're going to explore today."

7 Minutes: Introduction to the Cyberworld

(Transition to Slide 1: Navigating the Cyberworld: Your Digital Compass of the Cyberworld Exploration Slide Deck.)

"Today, we're going to embark on an important journey: 'Navigating the Cyberworld.' The cyberworld is a huge part of our lives, and understanding it is key to being safe, smart, and successful online."

(Transition to Slide 2: The Digital Universe: What is it? of the Cyberworld Exploration Slide Deck.)

"So, what is the cyberworld? It's simply the vast, interconnected space where we interact, share information, and communicate using technology. Think of it as a giant, invisible city that we all visit when we go online. It includes all the websites, social media platforms, online games, apps, emails – basically, anywhere you go when you're connected to the internet."

"What does the word 'cyberworld' make you think of? Are there any other examples of places or activities in the cyberworld that you can think of?"

(Allow a few student responses.)

(Transition to Slide 3: Your Digital Footprint: Leaving Traces of the Cyberworld Exploration Slide Deck.)

"Now, remember our warm-up about footprints? Just like footprints in the sand, everything you do online leaves a trace. This is called your Digital Footprint."

"Your digital footprint includes all the posts, comments, photos, videos you share, the websites you visit, and any information you put out there. And here's the really important part: a lot of what you put online can be permanent. Even if you delete something, it might still exist somewhere on the internet."

"Why do you think it's important to be aware of your digital footprint?"

(Take 1-2 student responses.)

(Transition to Slide 4: What Do We Do in the Cyberworld? of the Cyberworld Exploration Slide Deck.)

"The cyberworld is a place for so many amazing activities! We use it for learning, like doing research for school projects. We use it for connecting with friends and family, even if they live far away. It's a huge source of entertainment, from watching videos to playing games. And it's a place for creating, whether that's making art, writing stories, or building things."

"Can anyone share another positive activity they do in the cyberworld that isn't listed here?"

(Allow a few student responses. Validate their ideas.)

10 Minutes: Exploring Digital Citizenship

(Transition to Slide 5: Welcome, Digital Citizens! of the Cyberworld Exploration Slide Deck.)

"Just like you are a citizen in your town, state, or country, when you are in the cyberworld, you are also a Digital Citizen. Being a digital citizen means you have both rights and responsibilities. For example, you have the right to access information, but you also have responsibilities to act ethically and respectfully."

"What do you think are some of the responsibilities of being a good citizen in our school or community? How might those ideas translate to being a good 'digital citizen'?"

(Guide students to think about respect, safety, honesty.)

(Transition to Slide 6: Being a Responsible Digital Citizen of the Cyberworld Exploration Slide Deck.)

"Let's break down some key responsibilities of being a responsible digital citizen. First, and super important, is Being Safe Online."

"This means protecting your personal information – don't share your address, phone number, or passwords. Always think before you click on links or open attachments, and if something looks suspicious, report it to a trusted adult. Your online safety is paramount."

"Second, we need to Respect Privacy. Just as you wouldn't want someone sharing your private information without permission, you shouldn't do that to others. Be mindful of what you share about yourself and others online."

"And finally, Be Respectful & Kind. This applies both online and offline. Treat others how you want to be treated. Words and images online can have a big impact, so always think before you post or comment."

"Why do you think it's especially important to be respectful and kind online, even when you can't see the person's reaction?"

(Take 1-2 student responses, focusing on the permanence and wide reach of online interactions.)

5 Minutes: Activity: Real-World Cyber Scenarios

(Transition to Slide 7: Scenario Challenge! of the Cyberworld Exploration Slide Deck.)

"Now, let's put our digital citizenship skills to the test with a couple of quick scenarios. I want you to imagine these situations and think about what a responsible digital citizen would do. You can quickly chat with a partner next to you if you like."

"Scenario 1: Your friend shares a private photo of another classmate without their permission. What should a responsible digital citizen do?"

(Give students about 1 minute to discuss.)

"What are some ideas?"

(Guide discussion towards: asking the friend to take it down, telling a trusted adult, not resharing it.)

"Scenario 2: You see a mean comment posted about someone on social media. How would you respond?"

(Give students about 1 minute to discuss.)

"What are your thoughts on this one?"

(Guide discussion towards: don't join in, report the comment/post, tell a trusted adult, support the person being targeted.)

"Excellent thinking, everyone! These situations happen often, and knowing how to respond is a key part of being a good digital citizen."

3 Minutes: Cool-Down: Cyber Pledge

(Transition to Slide 8: Your Digital Compass of the Cyberworld Exploration Slide Deck. Then distribute or display the Cool-Down: Cyber Pledge.)

"To wrap up our lesson today, I want us to think about one personal commitment we can make. Look at the Cool-Down: Cyber Pledge on your handout or on the screen."

"You have the power to make the cyberworld a better, safer, and more positive place. Your digital compass guides your actions. For your cool-down, please complete your 'Cyber Pledge.' What is ONE thing you will commit to doing to make the cyberworld a better and safer place, starting today?"

"Take a moment to write down your pledge and then your name and date. This is a personal commitment to yourself and to our digital community."

(Circulate and observe students completing their pledges.)

"Thank you all for an engaging discussion about navigating the cyberworld. Remember to keep your digital compass pointing towards safety, respect, and responsibility every time you go online!"