EDUCATIONAL KIT
CONTEXT
Safeguarding privacy depends on protection of personal information. With the advent of the Internet, there are unprecedented challenges with respect to protection of information: information is collected and exchanged more and faster than ever before, technologies evolve rapidly, cyber crime and identity theft are becoming more common and the list goes on. Today’s youth must be particularly vigilant in order to protect themselves against privacy risks when using the Internet. It is important that they know what they can do to ensure their privacy is protected and that they develop sound practices for using and communicating personal information online.
Living and loving in the digital age… are today’s teenagers really that different than 20 years ago? Adolescence is an age at which individuals seek out new ideas and experiences; therefore, is it any wonder teenagers are inherently drawn to new technologies? The Internet allows us to communicate, express our creativity, share our passions and keep in constant contact with our peers. Online games let young people share images and information with others all over the world in a fraction of a second. But at a time when notions of privacy and image rights seem to disappear, where the Internet has become, for some, a place to show off, rant, or even trash talk, it is imperative to set firm boundaries and establish clear rules. When using the Internet, people certainly have rights, but they also have responsibilities.
The mission of the AAPI is to promote and facilitate the application of laws concerning access to information and protection of personal information. In accordance with this mission, we present you with this educational kit that provides a platform for teaching young people about these issues so they will better understand the challenges related to privacy and protection of personal information.
OBJECTIVES
- Teach young people, using simple and accessible language, about questions related to protection of privacy and personal information as well as safe and responsible Internet use
- Provide teachers with thought-provoking activities and stimulating discussion tools that address today’s challenges surrounding online privacy and protection of personal information
- Increase students’ awareness of the challenges surrounding privacy and protection of information online and encourage them to adopt cautious and responsible behaviors when using the Internet
- Support teenagers in developing sound practices for posting pictures and using and communicating personal information online
CONTENTS
This educational kit includes a Teacher Guide and a Student Workbook. The Teacher Guide provides the learning objectives for each of the 10 activities, the approximate time required for each, the answers for the activity questions and also recommendations for facilitating the lessons. The Student Workbook introduces eight likeable characters that accompany students through the 10 activities. Such activities aim to assist students in assessing the level of importance they give to protection of personal information on the Internet and, more specifically, on social media sites.
The kit is structured around six main activities that are well designed to integrate into a grade 7, 8, or 9 personal development course. The material provides the teacher with a good basis for thoroughly understanding the problems surrounding privacy on the Internet. They can thus assume the title of “School Privacy Advocate,” and inform other subject teachers of the complementary activities.
The four complementary activities 7 to 10 are specially developed for the following subject areas: arts education, French as a second language, English language arts and information technology or science and technology. These activities can be carried out independently of the main activities.
This comprehensive, lively and thought-provoking educational kit is designed to increase students’ awareness about issues surrounding privacy on the Internet through engaging activities and stimulating discussions. The lessons are created around topics that integrate easily into learning objectives of the curriculum. In addition, each activity defines both subject-specific learning objectives as well as objectives related to promoting awareness of privacy protection.