Major Project Updates #1

As an Employment Instructor at Catholic Family Services Regina, I consistently deliver computer classes for newcomer youth. One challenge I have identified is that many newcomer youth do not understand how to protect themselves when using social media. This is the primary reason I would like to develop a ready-to-use curriculum on digital citizenship and media literacy. 

#1. Need Assessment:

• There are specific needs and challenges faced by newcomer youth in the community related to social media and online safety.
• I conducted surveys during my computer classes and found out that newcomer youth lack knowledge and information about digital citizenship and media literacy.

#2. Learning Objectives:

Some potential learning objectives as follows:

Digital citizenship learning objectives:

• Define digital citizenship and explain its importance in the digital age.
• Identify the rights and responsibilities of digital citizens.
• Recognize the potential risks and challenges of online interactions.
• Understand the concept of online privacy and its relevance to digital citizenship.
• Describe the impact of online behavior on personal and professional reputations.
• Explain the significance of respecting intellectual property and copyright in digital content.
• Demonstrate safe and responsible online communication and social media use.
• Recognize and respond to online harassment, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content.
• Explore the role of digital citizenship in promoting a positive online community.

Media literacy learning objectives:

• Define media literacy and its role in critically analyzing various forms of media.
• Identify different types of media, including print, broadcast, digital, and social media.
• Develop the ability to critically evaluate media messages and their sources.
• Analyze media content for bias, misinformation, and persuasive techniques.
• Recognize the influence of media on individuals and society.
• Understand the impact of media on cultural perceptions and stereotypes.
• Develop the skills to differentiate between reliable and unreliable sources of information.
• Interpret visual and audio elements in media, including imagery, sound, and symbolism.
• Learn to create and share media content responsibly, with an awareness of its potential effects.

#3. Curriculum Structure: 

• The course is divided into two lessons, digital citizenship and media literacy, that cover different aspects of online safety.
• The course is grounded in Ribble’s 9 Elements of Digital Citizenship.

#4. Content Development:

• The course includes engaging and informative content for each module and uses a variety of media, such as videos, handouts, and interactive activities to keep the curriculum interesting.

#5. Language and Cultural Sensitivity:

• Since English is the second language for newcomer youth, this course is accessible and culturally sensitive to their needs, including using plain language and considering the cultural backgrounds of my audience. 

#6. Case Studies and Real-life Scenarios:

• This course incorporates real-life examples and case studies to illustrate the potential risks and best practices. This makes the content more relatable. 

#7. Interactive Activities: 

•  This course includes hands-on activities that allow students to practice what they have learned, such as creating secure passwords, group discussions, creating digital footprints, etc.

#8. Guest Speakers and Experts:

• This course may consider inviting guest speakers or experts from this field to provide insights and answer questions. This can add credibility to the curriculum. 

#9. Resource Materials:

• This course provides additional resources, such as websites, articles, and books, for students to explore beyond the curriculum.

#10. Practical Tips:

• This course offers practical tips on keeping online safety, maintaining a positive online presence, protecting your digital footprints and so on. 

#11. Partnerships:

• To promote this course to newcomer youth, I will partner with local organizations that provide services to newcomer youth, schools, and community centers to expand the reach of this curriculum.

I will create a comprehensive and effective curriculum that equips newcomer youth with the knowledge and skills they need to have about digital citizenship and media literacy.