Centre of Excellence for Digital Innovation

Overview

Through Social Media apps and video games, communicating with friends has never been easier! With this ease of access, however, also comes issues of authenticity, cyber safety, and honesty. In this inquiry-based activity, learners will be encouraged to identify safe means of communication through the most current avenues readily available at their fingertips.

Instructions

DISCUSSION: Ask the question: How is talking online with friends different than talking in person? (Are there different phrases, modes, pressure to respond, etc.?) Allow students to share their thoughts. Discuss: Why is it different? Should it be?

APPS ALL AROUND: Tape up the Social Media Apps & Video Game posters (see below) around the classroom. Set a copy of the Charts with a pencil by each poster. Divide students into groups of 3-4 and have them rotate to each poster and write down their thoughts about communicating online. Some students may or may not use certain apps or games and have them write that on the chart. Ask students to rotate every 4-5 minutes until they have reached all 6.

DISCUSSION: Quickly read over what students wrote at each Poster and then ask: Were there any apps or video games that you feel are safer to use than others? Are there some that you feel you can be more yourself? Which app or video game do you feel you can talk online with safety and honesty the most? (Poll the class)

READ ALOUD – #Goldilocks – A Hashtag Cautionary Tale: Before reading, ask students if they use hashtags and what do they mean. After reading, discuss, “What lesson can we learn from Goldilocks? Have you ever posted something just for reaction? Have you ever posted something that you wish you could take back?”

WRAP-UP: Give students each a Post-It Note and have them write down 1-2 things that would like to change about their online conversation. Collect those and read them anonymously as a group. With the notes in mind, co-construct a Top 5 List of Tips for Online Conversation (ask parents’ permission, never be alone, don’t type when angry, ask permission to post first, never give away personal information, set boundaries with time used, etc.) and post in the room near classroom devices as a reminder. Discuss: “Do you think there might be a new, better app or video game developed in the future so that we can safely and authentically communicate? Check out Let’s Nuture (App Developer Company in Fredericton, NB) and to see what they do with an APP idea – https://www.letsnurture.ca/mobile-app-development-company-fredericton-new-brunswick.html Feel free to also check out the latest video games designed by Gogii Games in Moncton, NB at https://www.gogiigames.com/about. APP and video game development is here in New Brunswick and the possibilities have just scratched the surface!

Extension Ideas

Have students create a poster highlighting the Top 5 Tips for Online Conversation (have students use a variety of media: PowerPoint, Canva, Microsoft Word, Scratch, or even paper)

Have students create an idea for an APP or video game and send an email/letter to one of our New Brunswick companies for feedback