Back to school in the digital age

OTTAWA, Aug. 31, 2017 – Back to school for today’s teenagers looks a lot different than it used to. On top of new classes and friends, they might also be exploring new social media networks, online relationships or digital personas.

Outcome Chart - Prince Edward Island - Health Education Grade 6

This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the Prince Edward Island Grade 6 Health Education with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.

Outcome Chart - Ontario - Equity and Social Justice: From Theory to Practice 12 HSE4M

Outcome Chart - Ontario - Equity and Social Justice: From Theory to Practice 12 HSE4M

Building your brand: Establishing a positive presence online

Like it or not, if you use the Internet you have an online identity. Some people call this your "brand." What's a brand? Think about a brand of soft drink, or computer, or jeans, or a band or a sports team. You probably have a certain idea about each one – what it's like, who buys it, and so on.

Digital Citizenship, Internet & Mobile, Social Networking

Algorithmic Awareness: Conversations with Young Canadians about Artificial Intelligence and Privacy

MediaSmarts conducted focus groups with youth ages 13 to 17 to gain insight into how young Canadians understand the relationships between artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms, privacy, and data protection. Participants played a game prototype designed by MediaSmarts’ education team, and a scaffolded learning experience allowed for in-depth discussion after each of the three phases of gameplay. These conversations highlight that while youth understand and appreciate the benefits of recommendation algorithms, they are troubled by algorithmic data collection and data sharing practices. This research is a call for more algorithmic literacy tools and resources that will give youth the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their information in digital spaces.

How to push back against hate online

Most kids see hate and prejudice online, and most of them say it's important to do something about it. But whether you've seen a video that's full of racist conspiracy theories or have just seen a friend share an offensive meme, it can be hard to know what to do about it.

Internet & Mobile, Online Hate

Technology and the Skills Trades 9

Strand A: Design Processes and Related Skills 

Overall Expectations: 

A1. Initiating and Planning 

demonstrate an understanding of fundamental technological concepts and related skills by initiating and planning projects 

Specific Expectations: 

A1.1 investigate and describe fundamental technological concepts, and explain how they are relevant to developing products and/or services in a variety of broad-based technology areas 

Outcome Chart - British Columbia - English Language Arts - New Media 11

Big Ideas:

  • People understand text differently depending on their worldviews and perspectives.  
  • Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed.
  • Digital citizenship requires both knowledge of digital technology and awareness of its impact on individuals and society.

Overall Expectations: Comprehend and Connect (reading, listening, viewing)