In today’s modern world, digital literacy skills are essential. Through social media and the advent of AI, children and young people are more vulnerable than ever. As such, educators must be able to support their pupils in developing these skills and teaching them how to better protect themselves online. This article will cover practical activities to use in the classroom to promote digital literacy.
Key digital literacy skills
Digital literacy is more than simply knowing how to use the internet, it’s about staying safe and vigilant through responsible internet usage. Below are some of the key topics you should discuss in the classroom:
Safe internet practices
The internet has allowed people from across the globe interact in ways that were previously unimaginable. Today, people can meet others from the other side of the world and form bonds. In some ways, this has been a positive change, however, the anonymous nature of the internet poses many risks. Children can now be exposed to predators and scammers.
This is why ensuring your pupils understand the risks involved in online communication is critical. Make sure to educate them on the kind of sensitive information that should not be shared, and how to safely engage with others online.
Digital citizenship
Similarly to online safety, online communication and the anonymous nature of it opened up a new type of bullying and abuse. Pupils need to learn and understand the consequences of their interactions online, how to practice online etiquette, and the concept of digital footprint.
Critical thinking and Information literacy
We are now in an information age, any piece of knowledge we could want is at our fingertips, but alongside it comes the danger of misinformation and disinformation. Work with your pupils to better understand an identify reputable sources and content, while working on their ability to critically analysis the content they see.
Digital literacy exercises for the classroom
Activities are an engaging way to introduce your pupils to new skills. Here are some ideas for activities you can use in your classroom:
Information cards
To help your pupils remember which information is safe to share online, create a memory card game with information dos and don’ts. In this game each card would have a type of information and the pupils must identify if it belongs in the “ok to share” or “don’t share” pile.
Google me game
To better convey the concept of digital footprint, ask your pupils to Google themselves and other people in their life and create a story about the person based on only what they can find through this search. This activity not only shows how easy it is to find information about people, but also how this information may not always be accurate.
Find the source
Give pupils several examples of facts that can be found online, some facts coming from reputable sources and others come from unreliable sources. Ask the pupils to work together to find the original source of the information. Once they have found it, pupils must then identify if it is a reliable source (e.g. news article from a known organisation, official government sites) or an unreliable source (e.g parody news sites, personal social media accounts).
LMP Action: supporting young people in developing skills and knowledge
MP Action is a dedicated Community Interest Company committed to empowering young people, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, by broadening their horizons and helping them secure sustainable post-16 destinations.
Our expertise spans specialist programmes, vocational qualifications, mentoring, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including holiday camps, school transition support, careers workshops, and work experience.
We can help support your pupils through a range of initiatives from holiday camps to youth boards and Alternative Provision, helping young people thrive.
Contact us to learn more info@lmp-action.co.uk
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