In an increasingly digital world, the importance of digital safety cannot be overstated. With children spending significant time online, the risks of cyberbullying, phishing scams, and online peer pressure have never been more real. To address these concerns, we conducted a two-month Nano Course on Digital Safety Awareness at Vidhya Niketan Higher Secondary School in Puducherry. This course, held from October 5 to November 14, 2023, introduced students to essential aspects of digital safety through the innovative Phenomenon-Based Learning (PhBL) approach. This unique method encourages students to learn by exploring real-world phenomena, fostering deeper understanding and application of knowledge.
The Three Phenomena: A Holistic Approach to Digital Safety
Our course was structured around three key phenomena, each designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of digital safety. These phenomena were not merely theoretical; they were tied to real-life challenges, making the learning process engaging and impactful.
1. Information Literacy and Digital Identity
- Topics Covered: App Permissions, Privacy Settings, Password Security, and Digital Footprints.
- Students explored how to safeguard their personal information online. They learned about the risks associated with sharing personal details on social media and the importance of strong passwords and privacy settings. Understanding how apps collect data helped them grasp the significance of digital footprints—how every online action leaves a trace.
2. Digital Security and Online Realities
- Topics Covered: Phishing Scams, Social Media Influence, Peer Pressure, and Cyberbullying.
- In this module, students delved into the darker side of online interactions. They learned to identify phishing scams and resist the influence of social media influencers and peer pressure. The sensitive issue of cyberbullying was addressed through interactive discussions, equipping students with strategies to deal with and prevent such incidents.
3. Digital Wellbeing and Lifestyle
- Topics Covered: Fake News, Information Verification, Digital Wellness, and Managing Screen Time.
- The final phenomenon focused on maintaining a healthy digital lifestyle. Students learned to verify information, distinguishing fake news from reliable sources. Additionally, the course emphasized the importance of digital wellness, encouraging students to balance screen time and nurture real-life relationships alongside their online interactions.
From Learning to Action: Inquiry-Based Projects
At the end of each phenomenon, students were presented with a thought-provoking inquiry question. These questions were designed to connect their learning to real-world problems, challenging them to find solutions. Students responded creatively, using presentations and dramas to showcase their understanding.
For example, one inquiry question focused on how to create stronger passwords and manage digital identities securely. Students developed innovative solutions and presented them to their classmates through PowerPoint presentations, explaining why certain password practices are more secure than others.
Another group tackled the issue of phishing scams by role-playing a scenario in which a student is tricked into giving away personal information. The dramatic presentation brought to life the dangers of phishing, making the learning experience memorable and impactful.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The Phenomenon-Based Learning method used in this course aligned seamlessly with Willdoo Education’s vision of creating future-ready students by focusing on critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem solving. The inquiry-based approach not only helped students absorb digital safety concepts but also encouraged them to apply this knowledge in their daily lives.
By the end of the course, students were not just aware of digital risks—they were empowered to take proactive steps in managing their digital presence. They had developed critical skills in information literacy, digital security, and well-being that will serve them throughout their lives.
Conclusion
The Digital Safety Awareness course was an eye-opening experience for the students of Vidhya Niketan Higher Secondary School. It went beyond traditional teaching methods, engaging students with hands-on projects and real-life inquiry questions. As we look ahead, it’s clear that such innovative learning experiences are crucial for preparing students to navigate the complexities of the digital world safely and responsibly.
By incorporating Phenomenon-Based Learning and focusing on critical digital safety topics, this course has equipped students with the tools they need to thrive in today’s technology-driven world while safeguarding their personal and digital well-being.
