This module is entitled “Encourage the digital autonomy of young people while preventing abuses in the learning process”. This module aims to provide tools and strategies for educators to promote healthy and safe use of technology among young people, with a focus on developing critical skills while identifying and avoiding potential pitfalls. Together, we will explore how to guide young people towards informed digital autonomy, ensuring enriching and protected learning. By mobilising a range of resources and strategies, educators will learn how to skilfully navigate the educational landscape, fostering a dynamic and enriched learning environment for their learners.
By the end of this module, learners will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to foster digital and informed autonomy and ensure a safe and enriching learning environment. The learning outcomes of this module are as follows:
Knowledge:
Skills:
This unit aims to give learners a definition and in-depth understanding of digital autonomy and its importance in our societies in the digital age. By developing skills to take control of their digital lives and make informed choices, young people will be better prepared to navigate the digital world independently and safely. At a time when technology is central to our daily lives, it is crucial to equip young people with the skills to navigate the digital world independently and responsibly.
This unit explores the fundamentals of digital citizenship, providing participants with an in-depth understanding of rights, responsibilities, and norms of appropriate online behaviour. In the digital age, it is essential to know and respect the rules and behaviours that govern interactions on the internet, in order to foster a healthy and respectful online environment for oneself and others, including the need to respect others, protect one’s personal information, and report inappropriate behaviour.
This unit emphasises the importance of understanding what a digital footprint is and practicing secure online behaviours, such as using strong passwords, recognising phishing attempts, and regularly backing up data. It’s also about understanding the scope of our digital actions: how online actions can influence digital reputation, mental health, and personal safety. Understand the importance of maintaining a positive and constructive online presence and understand the consequences of harmful actions.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
This module can be enriched with daily discussions on the importance of digital autonomy for young people, highlighting how the acquired skills can be applied in their daily and academic lives. It should be supported by collective reflections, always encouraging learners to continually develop these skills and maintain a critical approach to the information they encounter online.
Mr. Digiwise, a trainer, noticed that young people in his organisation rely on social networks for information but lack critical evaluation skills. Concerned about fake news, he developed an educational project to enhance students’ digital autonomy and awareness of misinformation.
His project focuses on two main areas: training students to use digital tools for information search and verification and fostering a critical approach to online sources. A secondary goal is to prevent digital abuse by teaching verification techniques.
Implementation Phases
Outcomes
Conclusion
Mr. Digiwise’s project empowers learners to navigate digital spaces responsibly, equipping them with essential skills to identify fake news and become informed citizens.
Q1. How can educators effectively integrate critical thinking and digital literacy skills into their curriculum to help students navigate the internet safely and responsibly?
Q2. What are the potential challenges students might face when trying to identify and verify information online, and how can these challenges be addressed in the classroom?
Q3. In what ways can collaborative projects, such as creating blogs, enhance students’ understanding of misinformation and improve their digital autonomy?
Digital autonomy in young people is a crucial skill that encompasses the ability to use technology independently, effectively, and securely. Numerous studies show that this skill contributes significantly to the personal development and self-esteem of teenagers.
For example, the use of digital platforms allows young people to develop problem-solving skills, master complex tasks but also escape parental supervision, which boosts their self-confidence and sense of achievement (see Frontiers https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.632713/full study).
Digital autonomy also helps teens navigate an online environment critically. This includes the ability to verify the veracity of information and avoid the pitfalls of fake news. This skill is particularly important in a context where young people are increasingly exposed to social media and online information without adequate supervision
(see APA https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/09/protecting-teens-on-social-media#:~:text=URL%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apa.org%2Fmonitor%2F2023%2F09%2Fprotecting,100 study).
The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the importance of these skills, as digital tools have become essential for education and socialisation. Teens have used technologies to stay connected, continue learning, and maintain social interactions, showing the ability of digital media to fill the void left by in-person interactions while highlighting the need to support their development in a safe and informed way (see Frontiers https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.632713/full)
Thus, developing digital autonomy in young people is not limited to technical learning but also includes raising awareness of ethical and responsible behaviours, thus contributing to their training as informed digital citizens.
The digital autonomy of young people is crucial in the learning process for 4 key reasons:
Digital autonomy allows young people to develop essential skills such as information research, critical evaluation of sources, and technical problem solving. These skills are indispensable in a world where access to information is ubiquitous and the ability to discern reliable information from fake news is increasingly important (see Frontiers and APA).
By being digitally autonomous, young people are able to take charge of their own learning. They can explore topics of personal interest, use online resources to deepen their knowledge, and learn at their own pace. This promotes a more personalised and engaging approach to education (Frontiers).
Mastery of digital tools is increasingly in demand on the job market. By developing their digital autonomy from an early age, learners acquire valuable skills that will better prepare them to enter a professional environment where digital technologies play a central role (Frontiers).
Learning about digital autonomy also includes awareness of ethical online behaviour, personal data protection, and privacy management. This helps young people navigate the digital world responsibly, reducing the risks associated with abuse and cyber threats (APA).
By mastering digital tools and successfully completing complex tasks online, young people can develop greater self-confidence and self-esteem.
Objective: This exercise aims to raise awareness among young people about the importance of digital autonomy and to teach them how to use digital tools independently and critically.
Duration: 2 hours
Materials needed: Computers or tablets with Internet access / Projector and screen / Paper and pens for notetaking
Introduction and definition (15 minutes)
Class discussion: Start with an interactive discussion about what digital autonomy means. Ask learners to share their ideas and experiences. Write down keywords on the board.
Definition: Provide a clear definition of digital autonomy, explaining its importance in everyday life.
Information search (30 minutes)
Research activity: Divide the class into small groups. Ask each group to choose a topic (e.g., the impact of social media on youth mental health). Their task is to search for information on this topic using various search engines and online information sources.
Source criticism: Each group should rate the reliability of the sources they find. Provide criteria for this evaluation (e.g., three questions: Is the author identifiable and credible? Is the source recent? Is the site reputable?).
Presentation and debate (30 minutes)
Presentation: Each group presents their results to the class, explaining how they found and verified the information.
Debate: Organise a debate where groups discuss the information found, highlighting the differences and similarities between their sources. Encourage learners to ask questions and discuss fact-checking techniques.
This exercise helps young people to understand the importance and benefits of digital autonomy and to develop critical skills that can be used in a transversal way to navigate the digital world responsibly and independently.
Digital citizenship refers to the responsible, ethical and secure use of digital technologies. It encompasses a wide range of behaviours and skills needed to navigate the digital world. This includes understanding online rights and responsibilities, protecting privacy, security, actively participating in online communities, and using digital resources ethically.
Knowing and practicing Netiquette online is one of the conditions of digital citizenship. Netiquette, or digital etiquette, is a set of rules of good conduct that govern online interactions. It aims to promote respectful and responsible behaviour on the internet. Here are the basics of netiquette:
Essential tools and resources to be up to date on developments but also to receive advice are available. Netiquette Guidelines https://www.netmanners.com/ is a relevant online resource to learn about good online practices. StaySafeOnline www.staysafeonline.org provides tips for safe and responsible online browsing as well as Common Sense Media https://www.commonsensemedia.org
By following these basic rules of netiquette, educators and young people can help create a more respectful, safe and friendly online environment.
Here is also a selection of YouTube channels that are highly recommended for learning netiquette and other aspects of digital etiquette, suitable for young people:
These channels not only provide entertainment, but also incorporate important messages about online behaviour, digital safety, and respectful communication, which are essential for netiquette. For more details, you can explore the channels directly on YouTube.
Fictional scenarios & group discussion (30 minutes)
Creation of a practical guide (15 minutes)
Conclusion (10 minutes)
End with a discussion about the importance of digital autonomy and how the skills learned can be applied in their daily and academic lives. Encourage learners to continue to develop these skills and remain critical of the information they encounter online.
As an educator, it is crucial to educate young people about online privacy best practices to prepare them to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected digital world. Privacy protection is essential to prevent risks such as identity theft, cyberbullying, and the exploitation of personal data. By teaching learners how to manage their personal information securely, you give them the tools to protect themselves from online threats. In addition, this education helps them develop responsible and ethical behaviour on the Internet, thus strengthening their confidence and autonomy in the use of digital technologies. Investing in this training from an early age helps cultivate a generation that is more aware and resilient to the challenges of the digital world.
A digital footprint consists of the traces you leave online when using the Internet. This includes all your online activities such as messages, photos, videos, comments, and even searches. Every action you take on the Internet contributes to this footprint, which can be visible and accessible to others, sometimes for an indefinite period.
Understanding the importance of your digital footprint is crucial, as it can significantly impact your personal and professional life. A well-managed digital footprint can help you create a positive online image, beneficial for future opportunities like college admissions or job searches. Conversely, inappropriate information or content can damage your reputation and have negative consequences. Therefore, it’s essential to adopt responsible and thoughtful practices when interacting online, protecting your privacy and security while building a positive digital footprint.
Below are the most common threats you may be subjected to online.
Phishing is an online fraud technique where attackers impersonate trusted entities, such as banks or popular websites, to trick users into divulging sensitive personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or banking information.
Two online resources can help you:
Kaspersky, a cybersecurity company, offers a comprehensive guide explaining what phishing is, how to recognise it, and how to protect yourself from it. Click here to visit Kaspersky guide
The FTC, offers a tutorial on recognising and avoiding phishing scams, including educational videos and real-world examples. Click here to visit the FTC guide
Account takeover is a malicious activity where unauthorized individuals gain access to an online account by bypassing or breaking security measures. This can include using techniques like stealing passwords, exploiting security vulnerabilities, or social engineering to obtain credentials. Once they gain access, hackers can steal personal information, impersonate the victim, or use the account for fraudulent purposes.
Malware is a contraction of “malicious software”, a program or code designed specifically to damage, disrupt or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. Malware can take many forms.
A data leak, also known as a data breach, occurs when sensitive, confidential, or protected information is accidentally or deliberately exposed to unauthorised persons. This data may include personally identifiable information, financial information, trade secrets, health data, and other types of confidential information.
Data breaches can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
Malicious internal access: Malicious individuals may voluntarily disclose confidential information.
In the face of these threats, it is important to adopt good practices to protect your privacy. Here are the main actions to take:
Click here to consult: 3 Tips for creating strong passwords https://infosec.yorku.ca/three-easy-tips-to-choose-a-strong-password.
To ensure your software is always up to date, enable automatic updates where possible, and regularly check for updates for all your applications and operating systems. This proactive approach helps you stay protected and enjoy the latest features and improvements
Objective: This hands-on exercise helps young people think critically about protecting their personal information online and engage in safe behaviours.
Implementation
Conclusion and discussion (10 minutes)
Digital literacy, as defined by the European Union, refers to the ability to access, understand, evaluate and create information using digital technologies. It encompasses a range of skills, including basic computer literacy, internet browsing, critical thinking about digital content, cybersecurity awareness, and mastery of the use of digital tools for communication, productivity, and creativity. This definition is in line with the European Commission’s Digital Education Action Plan and initiatives to promote digital skills and competences for all citizens.
[Source: European Commission. (2018). Digital Education Action Plan.]
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iCu-DRbp1X7GxyMa0M5Qw6RHRo14hrfd/edit#heading=h.1t3h5sfmethod that enhances the protection of online accounts by requiring two separate elements to verify the user’s identity. These two elements can include:
The goal of 2FA is to add an extra layer of security by making it much harder for attackers to access an account, even if they manage to get the password. This significantly reduces the risk of online hacking and fraud.
The digital footprint is the set of traces and information that you leave behind when you use the internet and digital devices. This includes all online activities such as social media posts, comments, emails, search engine searches, and online shopping. This data may be collected, stored, and sometimes shared by companies, websites, or applications, creating a digital profile that can be used for a variety of purposes, including targeted advertising, behavioural analysis, and monitoring.
Digital fingerprinting can be voluntary (information you intentionally share) or unintentional (data collected without you being fully aware of it). Managing and protecting your digital footprint is crucial to maintaining your online privacy and security, and to maintaining a good digital reputation.
Responsible and ethical use of digital technologies, encompassing behaviours such as respecting the online privacy of others, practicing safe internet habits, and contributing positively to online communities. Digital citizenship also involves understanding one’s rights and responsibilities in the digital world.
[Source: Common Sense Education Digital Citizen Program]
A data breach, occurs when sensitive, confidential, or protected information is accidentally or intentionally exposed, disclosed, or accessed by unauthorised persons. This data may include personally identifiable information (PII), financial information, health data, trade secrets, or other types of confidential information.
Malware, a contraction of “malicious software”, is a program or code designed specifically to cause damage, steal data, or disrupt the normal operations of a computer system, network, or device. Malware can take different forms, including:
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Project number: 2023-1-NO01-KA220-ADU-