About
This
Curriculum
The goal of this curriculum is to increase the
knowledge and
awareness of children in grades 9-12 about cyber-skills, including
their
knowledge of how digital communications are used, the emotional impact
of
different digital communications, laws and regulations concerning
electronic
messages, images, and video, and factual knowledge such as
understanding the
utilization of computer “cookies” and Internet Protocol addresses. Because so much digital abuse results from
lack of basic knowledge about digital communications, it is anticipated
that
increased cyber-skills may reduce digital abuse and cyberbullying. The
ways in
which electronic communications can impact daily living and
relationships is
also covered. Because this curriculum is
intended for use in Massachusetts, references to laws are, at times,
specific
to that state.
Challenges
this
Curriculum Addresses
In
research conducted on more than 300 college freshman at
the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center at Bridgewater State
University
during the 2010-2011 academic year, students scored, on average, in the
60th
and 70th percentiles on questions testing their knowledge of
basic
electronic communications. For example,
students were asked if it is possible to copy the screen from someone’s
social
networking profile, even if that person’s profile is set to “private.” Other questions asked about privacy online,
the impact of using digital communications on tone and understanding,
etc.
The Curriculum
contains the following:
- Ten lessons for
Grade 9, in the form of Writing Prompts;
- Ten lessons for
Grade 10, in the form of Writing Prompts;
- Five lessons for
Grade 11, in the form of educational reading, surveys of opinions &
thoughts, and class discussion; and
- Five lessons for
Grade 12, in the form of educational reading, surveys of opinions &
thoughts, and class discussion
Methodology and Approaches Utilized in this
Curriculum
Discussion and Opinions. In
every lesson, the Curriculum utilizes the lesson as a springboard for
discussion in class.
Online Interactive
Elements. The 9th and 10th grade
Curriculum utilizes paper primarily, with a few online videos. Students
read or watch videos, write their Prompt, and utilize their Prompts to
begin a class discussion. The 11th and 12th grade curriculum can be accomplished via paper, but
we strongly encourage teachers and schools to utilize a very simple
online system which permits students to read or watch a short
educational video, express their opinions via a few survey questions,
and then instantly see how the aggregated opinion of all of their
grade-level peers. Seeing how the group thinks and feels about
cyber issues is the springboard for the Class Discussion in these
grades.
Technology Requirements:
Minimal: Internet access to the MARC website, and the ability
to project or show videos to students.
Ideal:
Internet access for each student, in computer labs or laptop carts for
Grades 11 & 12.
Curriculum objectives broken down by year:
|
9th grade
|
Privacy and Anonymity Online
Using different sources of information
Internet Protocol Addresses
Sexting & Social Pressure*
Consequences of posting and tagging photos of
other people
Handling digital communications when you’re angry
Understanding cyberbullying versus cyber conflict
Terms of Service Agreements
Methods for reporting digital abuse, harassment,
or threats
|
|
10th grade
|
Nature
of friendship and online “friends”
Cyberbullying
versus free speech
Passwords
Online
pictures and images*
Why
do you need digital privacy?
Criminalization
of online behaviors
Cell
phone applications and privacy
Fighting
online
Digital
copyrights
Phishing
|
|
11th Grade
|
What’s a cookie?
Shooting video – Is that illegal?
Being Smart on Facebook
Computer Crime rising in the U.S.
Does a ban on cyberbullying do any good?
|
|
12th Grade
|
What’s behavioral tracking online?
Do adults view cyberbullying accurately?
Advising about cyberbullying: How should
people react?
Is your smartphone a target?
Phishing and Online Scams
|
