Lesson Plan
Tech Savvy or Tech Sorry? Lesson Plan
Students will learn to discern responsible from irresponsible digital behaviors by exploring media literacy concepts and understanding the effects of technology misuse.
This lesson encourages students to be mindful digital citizens, equipping them with skills to critically assess online content and use technology responsibly.
Audience
6th to 8th Grade Students
Time
35 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and a game reinforce the concepts.
Prep
Preparation Steps
10 minutes
- Review the Tech Savvy or Tech Sorry? Lesson Plan for an overview.
- Familiarize yourself with the Slide Deck, Script, and Worksheet materials.
- Ensure all digital links are accessible and test the video and game components.
- Prepare discussion prompts to engage students in critical thinking about digital responsibility.
Step 1
Introduction & Objectives
5 minutes
- Introduce the lesson topic of digital responsibility and media literacy.
- Explain the importance of understanding the effects of technology misuse and being a responsible digital citizen.
- Present the session outline using the Slide Deck.
Step 2
Activity & Discussion
15 minutes
- Distribute the Worksheet and guide students through a media literacy activity using the Activity Guide.
- Encourage students to share their thoughts through discussion using the Discussion Prompts.
- Refer to the Script to facilitate meaningful dialogue about real-life scenarios involving technology.
Step 3
Digital Citizenship Game
10 minutes
- Transition to the interactive Digital Citizenship Game that simulates choices in digital environments.
- Discuss outcomes of various in-game decisions to solidify learning about responsible tech use.
Step 4
Cool Down & Reflection
5 minutes
- Play a brief Informative Video that summarizes key concepts.
- Conduct a cool down activity using the Cool Down Reflection to recap what was learned and allow students to share takeaways.
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Slide Deck
Tech Savvy or Tech Sorry?
Navigating the Digital World Responsibly
Introduce the session, welcome students, and set the tone. Mention that today they will learn about responsible digital citizenship.
Why Media Literacy?
Understanding technology’s influence: Empower yourself with knowledge to make responsible choices!
Briefly introduce the importance of media literacy and digital responsibility. Emphasize that digital actions have real consequences.
Today's Agenda
• Introduction & Objectives (5 mins)
• Activity & Discussion (15 mins)
• Digital Citizenship Game (10 mins)
• Cool Down & Reflection (5 mins)
Outline the session's agenda: Introduction, Activity & Discussion, Digital Citizenship Game, and Cool Down Reflection.
What is Media Literacy?
The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and communicate using digital tools.
Discuss what media literacy means and its importance in today's digital world. Ask for any examples students know.
Consequences of Misusing Technology
• Cyberbullying
• Misinformation
• Privacy violations
• Other harmful behaviors
Highlight some negative effects of technology misuse, such as cyberbullying, misinformation, and privacy issues. Use real-life examples if possible.
Interactive Activity
Work with your worksheet and activity guide to analyze digital scenarios and decide on responsible courses of action.
Transition into the interactive component of the session. Explain that students will now work on an activity using their worksheets.
Discussion Time
Share your thoughts: How can we be responsible digital citizens?
Set up a discussion session encouraging students to share their ideas regarding digital responsibility and weigh the outcomes of different digital choices.
Digital Citizenship Game
Play the game and see how different decisions lead to different outcomes in the digital world.
Introduce the Digital Citizenship Game. Describe how the game simulates real-world digital decisions and encourages critical thinking.
Conclude with a cool down video summarizing key concepts. Invite students to reflect on what they've learned and share their takeaways.
Script
Tech Savvy or Tech Sorry? Script
Introduction & Objectives (5 minutes)
Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Today we're going to explore how to navigate the digital world responsibly. Our digital lives are exciting, but they also come with important responsibilities. We’ll learn about media literacy and what it means to use technology wisely."
Teacher Note: Briefly reference the Slide Deck on the first slide, 'Tech Savvy or Tech Sorry?', to set the tone for the lesson.
Teacher: "As we go through the lesson, think about your digital actions and consider: What makes someone a responsible digital citizen, and what might be the consequences of misusing technology?"
Transition to Activity & Discussion (15 minutes)
Teacher: "Now that we've talked a bit about what media literacy is, let’s get into an interactive activity. I’m handing out a worksheet that will guide us through some digital scenarios. You’ll find these scenarios in our Activity Guide."
Teacher Note: Encourage students to work in pairs or small groups if possible, and then share their thoughts with the class.
Teacher: "Please read through the first scenario on your worksheet. Think about what possible digital decisions could be made in that situation, and decide which one shows responsible behavior. When you're ready, we’ll discuss as a group."
Pause as students work, then prompt discussion with the following questions:
Teacher: "What did you decide was the best action to take in that situation and why? How might irresponsible use of technology affect someone's life?"
Teacher Note: Allow multiple students to share their ideas and use the discussion prompts from our Discussion Prompts material.
Digital Citizenship Game (10 minutes)
Teacher: "Great discussion, everyone! Now, we have a fun part of the lesson—a Digital Citizenship Game. This game simulates real-world digital decisions where every choice has consequences."
Teacher: "Let’s play the game! As you play, think about how each decision can affect outcomes. After the game, we’ll discuss what you experienced."
Teacher Note: Monitor student engagement with the Digital Citizenship Game and keep the discussion focused on responsible behavior in digital environments.
Teacher: "Who would like to share an interesting choice they made in the game? What was the outcome, and do you think a different decision might have led to a better result?"
Cool Down & Reflection (5 minutes)
Teacher: "To wrap up our lesson, let’s watch a short video that sums up what we've learned today about digital responsibility."
Teacher Note: Play the Informative Video that highlights key concepts from the lesson.
Teacher: "Now, I’d like you to think for a moment. What is one key takeaway from today’s lesson on digital responsibility? Feel free to share your thoughts with the class or write them down in your journal."
Teacher Note: Use the Cool Down Reflection activity to help students consolidate their learning and share takeaways.
Teacher: "Before we finish, remember: Being a responsible digital citizen means thinking about how every online decision can have real-world effects. Thank you all for your participation today!"
End of Script
Worksheet
Tech Savvy or Tech Sorry? Worksheet
This worksheet is designed to help you apply what you've learned about media literacy and digital responsibility. Read each scenario carefully, think about the possible actions you could take, and decide which one shows responsible digital behavior.
Scenario 1: Social Media Post
Imagine you see a friend post a picture that contains personal information like their home address.
- What are two responsible actions you could take in this situation?
Answer 1:
Answer 2:
Scenario 2: Cyberbullying
You notice someone in your online class group chat is being teased relentlessly.
- What steps could you take to help resolve or stop the cyberbullying?
Answer:
Scenario 3: Misinformation
You come across an article online that makes a bold claim but you aren’t sure if it's accurate.
- How would you verify the information before sharing it?
Answer:
Scenario 4: Privacy Settings
A social media platform asks for permission to access features you think aren’t necessary for its use.
- What should you consider before granting permission?
Answer:
Remember: Responsible digital behavior is about protecting yourself and others by making thoughtful decisions online.
Take a moment to reflect on your choices in these scenarios and be ready to discuss your ideas in class.
Activity
Tech Savvy or Tech Sorry? Activity Guide
This activity guide will help you lead a hands-on media literacy activity where students evaluate digital scenarios and determine responsible digital behaviors. Follow the steps below to facilitate an engaging discussion and analysis session.
Materials Needed
- Tech Savvy or Tech Sorry? Worksheet
- Pencils or pens
- Whiteboard or chart paper for group brainstorming
- Discussion Prompts (if needed for extra support)
Instructions
-
Distribute Materials:
Distribute the worksheet to each student. Ensure they have enough space to work and make notes. -
Introduction to the Activity:
Explain that the activity involves reviewing a series of digital scenarios. Ask students to think about the consequences of various digital actions and decide which behaviors are responsible and which are not. -
Scenario Analysis:
Walk through Scenario 1 on the worksheet as a whole class. Ask a volunteer to read the scenario aloud. Encourage students to think of at least two responsible actions they could take. Write these on the board. -
Small Group Discussion:
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a different scenario (Scenario 2, 3, or 4). Ask each group to:- Discuss the scenario within their group
- Brainstorm possible actions and choose the most responsible decision
- Prepare to share their reasoning with the class
-
Class Sharing:
Reconvene as a class and ask each group to present their scenario and chosen response. Facilitate a discussion using guiding questions such as:- Why did you choose that particular action?
- What might be the consequences if someone responded irresponsibly?
- How can we ensure our digital actions are safe and respectful for everyone?
-
Wrap-Up Discussion:
After all groups have presented, ask the whole class to reflect on the different scenarios. Highlight common themes and strategies for responsible digital behavior. Use the Discussion Prompts material to further challenge the students if necessary.
Reflection and Assessment
- Use the class discussion and group presentations as formative assessments of student understanding.
- Ask each student to write one takeaway or a key learning point from the activity on the back of their worksheet. Provide them with a few minutes to do so in a calm, reflective environment before moving onto the Digital Citizenship Game.
This activity not only encourages critical thinking about digital actions and their consequences but also fosters teamwork, discussion, and self-reflection among students.
Discussion
Tech Savvy or Tech Sorry? Discussion Prompts
These discussion prompts are designed to guide our conversation on digital responsibility and media literacy. Use these questions to share your ideas and learn from your classmates. Feel free to share personal experiences or thoughts about the digital world.
Guiding Questions
-
What does being a responsible digital citizen mean to you?
- Think about what actions online are respectful and safe. Can you think of examples of responsible digital behavior?
- Think about what actions online are respectful and safe. Can you think of examples of responsible digital behavior?
-
Why is media literacy important in today's digital world?
- Discuss how being media literate can help you recognize unreliable information or harmful behavior online.
- Discuss how being media literate can help you recognize unreliable information or harmful behavior online.
-
Have you or someone you know ever experienced or witnessed technology misuse (such as cyberbullying or misinformation)?
- Share your observations and discuss what could have been done differently.
- Share your observations and discuss what could have been done differently.
-
In the scenarios we reviewed today (from the worksheet), what were some of the key factors that helped you decide on responsible actions?
- What steps did you consider before making a decision? How might these steps be applied in other situations?
- What steps did you consider before making a decision? How might these steps be applied in other situations?
-
How can we support each other in making thoughtful digital decisions both in and out of school?
- Brainstorm ideas that the whole class might use to help maintain a safe and respectful online environment.
- Brainstorm ideas that the whole class might use to help maintain a safe and respectful online environment.
Potential Follow-Up Points
-
Real-Life Application: Ask students to think about how the choices discussed in class could be applied in their daily online interactions. What are some challenges they might face, and what strategies can help overcome these challenges?
-
Peer Advice: Encourage students to offer advice to their classmates. What one piece of advice would you give to someone struggling with digital responsibility?
-
Reflection: Ask students to write down one takeaway from the discussion. How has your thinking changed about your digital actions?
These prompts are here to ensure everyone feels comfortable sharing their perspectives and to help us think more critically about how we use technology responsibly.
Game
Tech Savvy or Tech Sorry? Digital Citizenship Game
This interactive game is designed to simulate real-world digital scenarios, allowing you to explore the consequences of different online decisions in a safe and engaging environment. As you navigate through the game, you will encounter a variety of situations that challenge you to choose responses reflecting responsible digital citizenship. Each decision can lead to different outcomes, reinforcing the lesson's key concepts about media literacy and responsible technology use.
How to Play
-
Scenario Presentation:
You will be presented with a digital scenario, similar to what you might encounter in everyday online interactions. These scenarios include issues like privacy settings, misinformation, cyberbullying, and sharing sensitive information. -
Decision Making:
For each scenario, choose from multiple options that reflect different ways of responding. Consider the consequences of each action carefully, keeping in mind what you’ve learned about responsible digital behavior. -
Outcome Feedback:
After making a decision, the game will provide immediate feedback. You’ll see how your choice affects the scenario and what potential real-world outcomes might result from that decision. -
Reflection:
Once you complete the game, you’ll have an opportunity to discuss your choices. Think about why you chose certain actions, what you learned from the outcomes, and how you might approach similar situations differently in the future.
Learning Objectives
- Understand Consequences: Learn how every digital action has a ripple effect in the real world.
- Critical Thinking: Practice evaluating scenarios to make responsible and ethical digital decisions.
- Engage in Reflection: Discuss and reflect on choices and outcomes, reinforcing media literacy lessons.
Enjoy the journey in our digital world and remember: every click matters when it comes to being a responsible digital citizen!
Cool Down
Tech Savvy or Tech Sorry? Cool Down Reflection
As we conclude today's lesson on digital responsibility and media literacy, let's take a moment to reflect on the key ideas and takeaways. This cool down activity is designed to help you consolidate your learning and consider how you can apply responsible digital behaviors in your everyday life.
Reflection Prompts
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Key Takeaway: What is one important lesson you learned today about using technology responsibly?
-
Real-World Application: Think about a time when you used digital technology. How can the ideas we discussed today help you make better decisions online in the future?
-
Personal Commitment: What is one change you can make in your digital life to ensure you are being a responsible digital citizen?
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Sharing Insights: If you feel comfortable, share your reflection with a partner or the class. How can our community support each other in making thoughtful digital decisions?
Optional Extension
- Digital Pledge: Write down a short pledge about how you will use technology wisely and responsibly. This pledge can serve as a personal reminder of your commitment to being a positive digital citizen.
Take your time with these reflections, and carry these thoughts with you as you navigate the digital world. Every online decision counts!