Online Safety: Building Knowledgeable Digital Citizens

Course Overview

With devices more prevalent than ever, being digitally responsible is more critical than ever. This introductory course helps students build the skills and knowledge to identify and manage digital risks and responsibilities and understand what balanced media looks like. This course educates students about online risks (e.g. phishing, malware and hacking); reviews social media so users can protect privacy; explains how to avoid catfishing; and prevent cyberbullying. Students will also explore how to distinguish the difference between real and fake content.

Module

Device Responsibility

Most children and adults have at least one device, if not more. But how can we use our devices responsibly? This section educates children on responsible device use, helping them to consider the risks and benefits of screen time.

Module

Online Risks

This section teaches students about common threats online to their devices and personal information. Students will learn about phishing, malware and hacking in detail. This section also teaches students how to protect their computers and how to make a strong password.

Module

Social Media Safety

Social media is widely used by people of all ages. It's a great way to connect with others and stay in touch. But social media has its risks as well. This section will teach students about the benefits and risks of social media so that they can use apps and tools responsibly and safely.

Module

Digital Literacy

This section teaches students about how to think critically about what they read and see online. Students are taught about disinformation and misinformation, with key tips on how to spot each, in order to avoid the consequences of false information online. This section also covers how to react to breaking news and whether or not to trust influencers. Upon completion of the course, students should have skills and tools to critically assess what they see online to make informed decisions about what is true and false.

Meet Course Creator, Kerry Wadsley

Following a degree in Elementary Education at Penn State (USA), I taught at The Elms School, UK for over 10 years, teaching students from 0-11 years. I taught in Key Stage 2 as well as being the Special Educational Needs Coordinator at the school. In 2016, I gained a Master’s in Education from the University of Nottingham (UK). My passion lies in helping students to achieve their potential and eliminating any barriers to learning.