Advice: Digital Citizenship

Digital Literacy Lesson Plan for Seventh Grade

Objectives:

• Students will understand the importance of digital literacy.
• Students will learn essential skills for navigating the digital world.
• Students will practice safe, responsible, and effective use of technology.

Key Concepts:

• Digital Citizenship: Understanding how to interact responsibly online.
• Online Safety: Protecting personal information and recognizing online threats.
• Research Skills: Evaluating the credibility of online sources.
• Communication: Using digital tools to collaborate and communicate effectively.
• Digital Footprint: Understanding the long-term impact of online actions.

The 5 E’s Lesson Plan Model

1. Engage

Activity: Digital Footprint Mystery Game

• Objective: Students will explore the concept of a digital footprint in an interactive and engaging way.
• Procedure:
  • Before class, create fictional online profiles for a few made-up characters with various digital footprints.
  • Divide the students into small groups and give each group one character profile.
  • Ask the groups to analyze the profiles and determine as much as they can about each character based on their digital footprint.
  • Have each group present their findings to the class, discussing what they discovered and how they came to their conclusions.

Discussion Questions:

• What did you learn about your character from their digital footprint?
• Why is it important to be mindful of what we share online?

2. Explore

Activity: Safe Surfing Simulation

• Objective: Students will learn to identify safe and unsafe online practices.
• Procedure:
  • Set up a simulation with different online scenarios (e.g., receiving a suspicious email, being asked for personal information).
  • In small groups, have students decide the best course of action for each scenario.
  • Discuss each scenario as a class and highlight key online safety principles.

Discussion Questions:

• What are some red flags to look out for when online?
• How can we protect our personal information on the internet?

3. Explain

Activity: Evaluating Online Sources

• Objective: Students will develop skills to critically evaluate the credibility of online sources.
• Procedure:
  • Present criteria for evaluating online sources (e.g., author credibility, website reliability, date of publication).
  • Provide students with a mix of credible and non-credible sources on a given topic.
  • Have students work in pairs to evaluate the sources and determine which are reliable.

Discussion Questions:

• What makes a source credible or non-credible?
• How can we ensure we are using reliable information in our research?

4. Elaborate

Activity: Digital Collaboration Project

• Objective: Students will use digital tools to collaborate on a project.
• Procedure:
  • Assign a group project where students must use digital tools (e.g., Google Docs, Padlet, Trello) to research and present on a given topic.
  • Provide guidelines for effective online communication and collaboration.
  • Have students create a digital presentation and share it with the class.

Discussion Questions:

• What are some challenges of collaborating online?
• How can we communicate effectively with our team members?

5. Evaluate

Activity: Digital Literacy Self-Assessment

• Objective: Students will reflect on their digital literacy skills and identify areas for improvement.
• Procedure:
  • Provide a self-assessment checklist covering the key concepts learned (digital citizenship, online safety, research skills, communication, digital footprint).
  • Have students complete the self-assessment and set personal goals for improvement.
  • Collect feedback on the lesson to identify areas for further instruction.

Discussion Questions:

• What skills do you feel confident in?
• What areas do you think you need more practice with?

Extension Activities:

• Guest Speaker: Invite a cybersecurity expert to talk about online safety.
• Field Trip: Visit a local library or community center to learn about digital resources available.
• Parent Workshop: Host a session for parents on supporting their children’s digital literacy at home.

Assessment:

• Formative: Monitor student participation and engagement in activities and discussions.
• Summative: Evaluate the digital collaboration project and self-assessment reflections.

Tools and Resources:

• Websites: Utilize websites like SafeKids.com and CyberWise for resources and activities.
• Digital Tools: Introduce tools like Google Docs, Padlet, and Trello for collaboration.

By incorporating these activities and principles, you can help your seventh-grade students develop the digital literacy skills they need for daily tasks and their lives.

Digital Literacy Lesson Plan for Seventh Grade

Objectives:

• Students will understand the importance of digital literacy.
• Students will learn essential skills for navigating the digital world.
• Students will practice safe, responsible, and effective use of technology.

Key Concepts:

• Digital Citizenship: Understanding how to interact responsibly online.
• Online Safety: Protecting personal information and recognizing online threats.
• Research Skills: Evaluating the credibility of online sources.
• Communication: Using digital tools to collaborate and communicate effectively.
• Digital Footprint: Understanding the long-term impact of online actions.

The 5 E’s Lesson Plan Model

1. Engage

Activity: Digital Footprint Mystery Game

• Objective: Students will explore the concept of a digital footprint in an interactive and engaging way.
• Procedure:
  • Before class, create fictional online profiles for a few made-up characters with various digital footprints.
  • Divide the students into small groups and give each group one character profile.
  • Ask the groups to analyze the profiles and determine as much as they can about each character based on their digital footprint.
  • Have each group present their findings to the class, discussing what they discovered and how they came to their conclusions.

Discussion Questions:

• What did you learn about your character from their digital footprint?
• Why is it important to be mindful of what we share online?

2. Explore

Activity: Safe Surfing Simulation

• Objective: Students will learn to identify safe and unsafe online practices.
• Procedure:
  • Set up a simulation with different online scenarios (e.g., receiving a suspicious email, being asked for personal information).
  • In small groups, have students decide the best course of action for each scenario.
  • Discuss each scenario as a class and highlight key online safety principles.

Discussion Questions:

• What are some red flags to look out for when online?
• How can we protect our personal information on the internet?

3. Explain

Activity: Evaluating Online Sources

• Objective: Students will develop skills to critically evaluate the credibility of online sources.
• Procedure:
  • Present criteria for evaluating online sources (e.g., author credibility, website reliability, date of publication).
  • Provide students with a mix of credible and non-credible sources on a given topic.
  • Have students work in pairs to evaluate the sources and determine which are reliable.

Discussion Questions:

• What makes a source credible or non-credible?
• How can we ensure we are using reliable information in our research?

4. Elaborate

Activity: Digital Collaboration Project Using FigJam

• Objective: Students will use digital tools to collaborate on a project.
• Procedure:
  • Assign a group project where students must use FigJam to research and present on a given topic.
  • Provide guidelines for effective online communication and collaboration.
  • Teach students how to use FigJam, including creating boards, adding content, and collaborating in real-time.
  • Have students create a digital presentation using FigJam and share it with the class.

Discussion Questions:

• What are some challenges of collaborating online?
• How can we communicate effectively with our team members?

5. Evaluate

Activity: Digital Literacy Self-Assessment

• Objective: Students will reflect on their digital literacy skills and identify areas for improvement.
• Procedure:
  • Provide a self-assessment checklist covering the key concepts learned (digital citizenship, online safety, research skills, communication, digital footprint).
  • Have students complete the self-assessment and set personal goals for improvement.
  • Collect feedback on the lesson to identify areas for further instruction.

Discussion Questions:

• What skills do you feel confident in?
• What areas do you think you need more practice with?

Extension Activities:

• Guest Speaker: Invite a cybersecurity expert to talk about online safety.
• Field Trip: Visit a local library or community center to learn about digital resources available.
• Parent Workshop: Host a session for parents on supporting their children’s digital literacy at home.

Assessment:

• Formative: Monitor student participation and engagement in activities and discussions.
• Summative: Evaluate the digital collaboration project and self-assessment reflections.

Tools and Resources:

• Websites: Utilize websites like SafeKids.com and CyberWise for resources and activities.
• Digital Tools: Introduce tools like FigJam, Google Docs, Padlet, and Trello for collaboration.

By incorporating these activities and principles, you can help your seventh-grade students develop the digital literacy skills they need for daily tasks and their lives.

Common Digital Scams and Tricks

1. Phishing

• Description: Fake emails or messages that appear to come from legitimate sources, asking for personal information.
• Example: An email claiming to be from your bank asking you to verify your account information.

2. Smishing

• Description: Similar to phishing, but done through text messages (SMS).
• Example: A text message from an unknown number claiming you’ve won a prize and asking for your personal details.

3. Vishing

• Description: Phishing over the phone, where scammers call and ask for personal information.
• Example: A call pretending to be from a tech support service asking for your computer passwords.

4. Fake Websites

• Description: Websites that mimic legitimate ones to steal your personal information or money.
• Example: A website that looks like an online store but is designed to collect your credit card information.

5. Malware

• Description: Malicious software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to your computer.
• Example: Downloading a free game that secretly installs a virus on your computer.

6. Ransomware

• Description: A type of malware that encrypts your files and demands payment for the decryption key.
• Example: A message on your computer screen demanding money to unlock your files.

7. Social Media Scams

• Description: Scams that occur on social media platforms, often involving fake accounts or offers.
• Example: A message from a friend’s hacked account asking for money or personal information.

8. Online Shopping Scams

• Description: Fake online stores or fraudulent listings on legitimate sites.
• Example: Paying for an item that is never delivered or is significantly different from the description.

9. Job Scams

• Description: Fake job offers designed to steal personal information or money.
• Example: A job posting asking for a fee to apply or requesting your bank details.

10. Lottery Scams

• Description: Notifications that you’ve won a lottery or sweepstakes you never entered, asking for personal information or a processing fee.
• Example: An email claiming you’ve won a large sum of money and need to provide your bank account details to receive it.

11. Tech Support Scams

• Description: Scammers pretending to be tech support to gain access to your computer and steal information or money.
• Example: A pop-up warning on your computer claiming you have a virus and need to call a support number.

12. Catfishing

• Description: Creating fake identities to deceive people, often for romantic relationships or financial gain.
• Example: Someone pretending to be someone else online to build a relationship and then ask for money.

13. Online Survey Scams

• Description: Fake surveys designed to collect your personal information.
• Example: An email or pop-up asking you to complete a survey for a prize, but really gathering your data for misuse.

14. Fake Antivirus Software

• Description: Software that claims to protect your computer but actually installs malware.
• Example: A pop-up warning that your computer is infected and you need to download their antivirus software.

15. Investment Scams

• Description: Promises of high returns on investments that are too good to be true.
• Example: An email or social media message promoting a new cryptocurrency or investment opportunity with guaranteed returns.

Tips for Students:

• Verify Sources: Always check the legitimacy of emails, messages, and websites before providing any personal information.
• Be Skeptical: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Use Security Software: Keep your computer and devices protected with up-to-date antivirus software.
• Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest scams and how to avoid them.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities or the platform where it occurred.

Common Text Message Scams (Smishing) and How to Identify Them

Common Text Message Scams:

1. Package Delivery Scams

   • Description: Texts claiming that a package delivery failed and you need to click a link or call a number to reschedule or provide additional information.
   • Example: “Your package delivery has failed. Please visit [link] to reschedule delivery.”

2. Bank Account Alerts

   • Description: Texts pretending to be from your bank, warning of suspicious activity and urging you to verify your account.
   • Example: “Suspicious activity detected on your account. Click here [link] to secure your account.”

3. Prize or Sweepstakes Scams

   • Description: Texts claiming you’ve won a prize or lottery and need to provide personal details to claim it.
   • Example: “Congratulations! You’ve won a $1,000 gift card. Claim your prize at [link].”

4. Urgent Account Problems

   • Description: Texts saying there’s an urgent problem with your account (e.g., email, social media, utility) that requires immediate action.
   • Example: “Your account will be locked if you do not verify your information at [link].”

5. Job Offers

   • Description: Texts offering high-paying jobs or asking for an interview, often requiring personal information upfront.
   • Example: “We reviewed your resume and want to offer you a job. Please fill out this application form [link].”

6. Survey Scams

   • Description: Texts asking you to complete a survey for a chance to win a prize or gift card.
   • Example: “Complete this survey for a chance to win a free iPad. Start here [link].”

7. Tech Support Scams

   • Description: Texts claiming there’s an issue with your device that needs immediate attention and prompting you to call a number or click a link.
   • Example: “Your phone has been compromised. Call [number] to speak with a technician.”

8. Charity Scams

   • Description: Texts soliciting donations for fake charities, often following natural disasters or crises.
   • Example: “Help victims of the recent earthquake. Donate now at [link].”

How to Identify Text Message Scams:

1. Unfamiliar Sender

   • Be cautious of texts from unknown numbers, especially those asking for personal information or action.

2. Urgent Language

   • Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prompt immediate action without thinking.
   • Examples: “Urgent!,” “Immediate action required,” “Your account will be locked.”

3. Suspicious Links

   • Hover over or long-press (without clicking) links to see if they lead to legitimate websites.
   • Be wary of shortened URLs or links with strange characters.

4. Asking for Personal Information

   • Legitimate companies typically don’t ask for sensitive information via text.
   • Examples: passwords, Social Security numbers, credit card details.

5. Spelling and Grammar Errors

   • Scammers often use poor spelling and grammar, which can be a red flag.

6. Unsolicited Offers

   • Be skeptical of unsolicited offers, especially those that seem too good to be true.
   • Examples: unexpected job offers, winnings, or free gifts.

7. Requests for Payment

   • Avoid texts asking for payment or donations via unusual methods (e.g., gift cards, wire transfers).

What Students Should Do:

• Do Not Click Links or Call Numbers: Avoid interacting with links or numbers provided in suspicious texts.
• Verify with the Source: If you’re unsure, contact the organization directly using official contact information from their website.
• Block and Report: Block the sender and report the number as spam to your mobile carrier.
• Use Security Software: Keep your phone’s security software up-to-date.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest scams and share information with friends and family to keep everyone safe.

By understanding these common text message scams and knowing what to look for, students can better protect themselves from falling victim to these schemes.

Signs That a Website is Not Legitimate

1. Unusual URL

• Description: The website URL may look strange or unfamiliar.
• Examples:
  • Misspelled names (e.g., “gooogle.com” instead of “google.com”).
  • Extra characters or numbers (e.g., “amazonshop123.com”).
  • Different domain endings (e.g., “.net” or “.info” instead of “.com”).

2. Lack of HTTPS

• Description: A legitimate website should use HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) to encrypt data.
• Check:
  • Look for “https://” at the beginning of the URL.
  • A padlock icon next to the URL indicates the site is secure.
  • Note: Not all HTTPS sites are safe, but all safe sites should have HTTPS.

3. Poor Design and Layout

• Description: Many scam websites have unprofessional designs and layouts.
• Signs:
  • Low-quality images and logos.
  • Broken links and non-functional buttons.
  • Inconsistent fonts and colors.

4. Spelling and Grammar Errors

• Description: Legitimate websites typically avoid spelling and grammar mistakes.
• Check:
  • Look for frequent errors in text, product descriptions, or blog posts.
  • Poorly written content can indicate a lack of professionalism.

5. No Contact Information

• Description: Legitimate websites usually provide clear contact information.
• Check:
  • Absence of a contact page or hard-to-find contact details.
  • Use of free email services (e.g., “gmail.com” or “yahoo.com”) instead of a professional domain email.

6. Unrealistic Offers

• Description: Scam websites often lure victims with deals that are too good to be true.
• Examples:
  • Extremely low prices on high-value items.
  • Promises of free products or massive discounts without a catch.

7. No Reviews or Fake Reviews

• Description: A legitimate website usually has reviews from real customers.
• Check:
  • Lack of reviews or only having overly positive reviews without any negatives.
  • Reviews with similar language and structure, indicating they might be fake.

8. Strange Payment Methods

• Description: Scam websites often require unusual or insecure payment methods.
• Check:
  • Requests for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
  • Absence of secure payment gateways like PayPal or credit card processing.

9. Pop-ups and Ads

• Description: Excessive pop-ups and advertisements can indicate a spammy or unsafe site.
• Check:
  • Frequent pop-ups asking for personal information or urging downloads.
  • Ad-heavy sites that disrupt the user experience.

10. Inconsistent Domain Information

• Description: The domain registration details can reveal the legitimacy of a site.
• Check:
  • Use “WHOIS” lookup to find domain registration details.
  • Look for recent registration dates, hidden owner details, or multiple changes in ownership.

11. Suspicious Content and Claims

• Description: Unrealistic content or extraordinary claims without evidence.
• Check:
  • Claims of exclusive products not found elsewhere.
  • Content that incites urgency or fear to prompt quick decisions.

Steps to Verify Website Legitimacy:

1. Check the URL Carefully: Ensure it’s spelled correctly and looks familiar.
2. Look for HTTPS and the Padlock Icon: Ensure the site uses secure encryption.
3. Examine the Design and Content: Look for professional layout and error-free text.
4. Verify Contact Information: Check for a valid physical address, phone number, and professional email.
5. Research Reviews: Look for genuine customer reviews on independent sites.
6. Use Online Tools: Utilize tools like WHOIS lookup and website safety checkers (e.g., Google Safe Browsing).
7. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, proceed with caution.

By being aware of these signs, students can better protect themselves from falling victim to fraudulent websites.