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The Challenges of “Boxed” School-Based Digital Literacy & Internet Safety Lesson Plans!

September 1, 2023

Knowledge, and the understanding and application of that knowledge is power, thus why education is a conduit for knowledge dissemination and skill development. Central to effective education is the role of teachers who, armed with subject matter proficiency, guide students through the complexities of various educational school disciplines such as math, chemistry, woodshop, and auto shop to name a few. 

However, a growing concern in the areas of digital literacy and internet safety education that we are seeing – the practice of teaching from “boxed” lesson plans without possessing the necessary subject matter competency or experience to talk about the content contained within that lesson plan. This seemingly convenient approach can be problematic to a students’ learning outcome and overall digital growth, which can also raise significant teacher credibility challenges with students. In this article, we delve into the reasons why teaching digital literacy and internet safety without a basic knowledge of the topic can become problematic for educators and their students.

Subject matter expertise in the areas of digital literacy and internet safety not only allows teachers to effectively deliver a boxed lesson plan, but also equips them to handle the unpredictable nature of a classroom. Students are naturally curious, often digitally savvy, and may pose questions that extend beyond the scope of a boxed lesson plan. A teacher well-versed in digital literacy and internet safety can engage with these inquiries, fostering deeper understanding and critical thinking with students. However, when a teacher lacks expertise, they might struggle to answer questions accurately, leaving students to question their teacher’s real understanding of today’s onlife world.

Teaching in the areas of digital literacy and internet safety requires more than just following a script – it demands at least a basic understanding of the subject matter in the lesson plan. Without such understanding, there is a risk of disseminating incorrect or outdated information. Recently, we reviewed a school lesson plan that still talks about MySpace – we kid you not! 

More importantly, students, especially in the ubiquitous world of technology, can easily fact-check information being taught, and inconsistencies can erode their trust in the teacher and the information they are attempting to share with their students. Also, dated, or inaccurate information shared via a boxed lesson plan by teachers can lead to student online misconduct that can be challenging to rectify later.

Classrooms are diverse learning environments with students possessing varying levels of aptitude and learning styles. Experienced teachers can adapt their lesson plan delivery based on the unique needs of their students, ensuring that each individual grasps the core competencies being taught. In contrast, a teacher lacking subject matter proficiency may find it challenging to adapt a boxed lesson plan to suit the learning preferences of their students. This lack of flexibility could result in student disengagement and reduced learning outcomes.

Subject matter proficiency enables teachers to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world applications. When teachers possess a deep understanding of digital literacy and internet safety, they can provide practical examples, case studies, and anecdotes that illuminate the relevance of the content being taught. Without this expertise, lessons may remain abstract, and students might struggle to see the practical value of what they’re learning. This can then undermine a student’s motivation and enthusiasm for knowledge growth – in other words the student shuts down.

One of the hallmarks of education is cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students. A teacher can guide students through challenging problems, breaking them down into manageable steps and strategies. In contrast, a teacher lacking subject matter proficiency in the areas of digital literacy and internet safety might struggle to provide effective guidance, leaving students frustrated and ill-equipped to tackle the complex issues of today’s onlife world.

Here at the White Hatter, we offer a wide range of FREE resources designed to assist educators in enhancing their professional development, and deepening their knowledge on the topics of internet safety and digital literacy – some of these resources include:

Our free web-book. 

Our free blog that has hundreds of articles on the topics of digital literacy and internet safety.

https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/

Our free articles and guide’s page.

Our free Facebook Page that we update almost daily.

https://www.facebook.com/whitehatterteam

Our free YouTube Page.

https://www.youtube.com/c/TheWhiteHatter

Our free podcast

https://thewhitehatter.ca/podcast/

Our free White Hatter App

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We also offer a professional development program for educators called, “Social Media & The Lay of The Digital Land for Those Who Work With Youth and Teens”

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Lastly, we offer multi-award-winning digital literacy and internet safety programs for elementary school, middle school, and high school students to help create a baseline when it comes to digital literacy and internet safety that educators can build upon.

Schools

Education is a transformative process that centers on the exchange of knowledge, critical thinking, and the nurturing of individual growth. Teachers play a pivotal role in the shaping of this process, armed with subject matter proficiency that empowers them to guide students through the intricate landscapes of various disciplines. However, specific to the topics of digital literacy and internet safety, education has unveiled a pressing concern – the practice of teaching these topics via boxed lesson plans without possessing the necessary subject matter expertise to do so. This practice, while seemingly convenient, poses challenges to a students’ learning experiences, a teacher’s credibility, and the overall digital development and growth of a student. 

The necessity for educators to possess subject matter proficiency in the areas of digital literacy and internet safety we believe is of utmost importance. This expertise not only facilitates impactful lesson plan delivery, but also empowers teachers to respond to students’ questions, tailor their approach to different learning styles, connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications, and foster the development of critical thinking abilities. 

The importance of subject matter proficiency specific to digital literacy and internet safety in today’s onlife world cannot be overstated, and educational institutions should invest in professional development training and information to ensure teachers are well-equipped to navigate and inspire their students in today’s onlife world.

Digital Food For Thought

The White Hat

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