High School Cyberskills Curriculum
** AVAILABLE IN SPANISH**
The goal of this research-based curriculum is to increase the knowledge and awareness of students in grades 9-12 about cyber-skills (the curriculum is currently being tested in several Middle Schools for effectiveness in that population).
Examples of topics covered in the curriculum are:
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knowledge of how digital communications are used
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The emotional impact of different digital communications
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laws and regulations concerning electronic messages, images, and video
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factual concepts such as understanding the utilization of computer “cookies” or Internet Protocol addresses
Because digital abuse can result from lack of basic knowledge about digital communications, it is anticipated that increased cyber-skills may reduce digital abuse and cyberbullying. The ways in which electronic communications can impact daily living and relationships is also covered. Because this curriculum is intended for use in Massachusetts, references to laws are, at times, specific to that state.
Challenges this Curriculum Addresses:
In research conducted on more than 300 college freshman at the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center at Bridgewater State University during the 2010-2011 academic year, students scored, on average, in the 60th and 70th percentiles on questions testing their knowledge of basic electronic communications. For example, students were asked if it is possible to copy the screen from someone’s social networking profile, even if that person’s profile is set to “private.” Other questions asked about privacy online, the impact of using digital communications on tone and understanding, etc.
The Curriculum contains the following:
Ten lessons for Grade 9, in the form of Writing Prompts;
Ten lessons for Grade 10, in the form of Writing Prompts;
Five lessons for Grade 11, in the form of educational reading, surveys of opinions & thoughts, and class discussion; and
Five lessons for Grade 12, in the form of educational reading, surveys of opinions & thoughts, and class discussion
Methodology and Approaches
Utilized in this Curriculum
Discussion and Opinions. In every lesson, the Curriculum utilizes the lesson as a springboard for discussion in class.
Online Interactive Elements. The 9th and 10th grade Curriculum utilizes paper primarily, with a few online videos. Students read or watch videos, write their Prompt, and utilize their Prompts to begin a class discussion. The 11th and 12th grade curriculum can be accomplished via paper, but we strongly encourage teachers and schools to utilize a very simple online system which permits students to read or watch a short educational video, express their opinions via a few survey questions, and then instantly see digital feedback about the aggregated opinion of all of their grade-level peers. Seeing how the group thinks and feels about cyber issues is the springboard for the Class Discussion in these grades.
** The Online Interactive Lessons can be accessed by using the Instructions in the Curriculum **
Technology Requirements:
Minimal: Internet access to the MARC website, and the ability to project or show videos to students.
Ideal: Internet access for each student, in computer labs or laptop carts for Grades 11 & 12.
Curriculum objectives broken down by year:
9th grade
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Privacy and Anonymity Online
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Tagging and facial recognition
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Sexting & Social Pressure*
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Anonymous apps
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Self focus online
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Handling digital communications when you’re angry
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Understanding cyberbullying versus cyber conflict
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Internet Protocol Addresses
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Strong feelings and social media
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Methods for reporting digital abuse, harassment, or threats
10th grade
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Digital footprint
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Cyberbullying versus free speech
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Online privacy settings
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Online pictures and images*
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Who needs digital privacy?
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Criminalization of online behaviors
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Cell phone applications and privacy
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Fighting online
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Digital copyrights
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Phishing
11th Grade
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What’s a cookie?
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Does a ban on cyberbullying do any good?
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What does what you post say about you?
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Is everyone happier than me?
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Computer crimes & identity theft
12th Grade
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What’s behavioral tracking online?
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Are you being cyberbullied by your apps?
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Is your smartphone a target?
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Advising about cyberbullying: How should people react?
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Phishing and Online Scams