Teacher content information

There are so many things we can do online! To help your students make the most of their online time, this unit works with the eSmart Digital Licence+ system to build their digital intelligence. Students will explore benefits and risks, and work together to help their local community become as tech savvy as they are.

Unit structure

Tune In

What do we already know about going online? Let’s explore and establish students’ prior knowledge of online activity.

Online Lingo - Students will explore online terminology to understand potentially risky digital situations and investigate strategies to reduce or avoid these risks.

Find Out

Let’s get set up with our eSmart Digital Licence+ accounts and start exploring the system.

Getting Started with eSmart DL+ - Students will explore the concept of digital citizenship and start using the eSmart Digital Licence+ (eSmart DL+) system to develop their digital literacy skills.

Take Action

Let’s put it into action! This section gives students the opportunity to have an impact on their local digital communities.

Digitally Strong Communities - Students will apply the knowledge they have learned from eSmart Digital Licence+ to help strengthen and support the digital presence of a local community group.

Safety

Psychological safety

eSmart Digital Licence+ is about setting students up to enjoy the benefits of being online, and part of that involves being aware of the risks. When discussing online risks, there is a psychological safety factor to be considered. Some of the students in your class may have been impacted by these risks or may have even taken part in them, with or without understanding the impacts of their actions. Others may feel anxiety over discussing the risks. Here are some ways to ensure the psychological safety of your classroom.

Creating a Safe Space for Discussion

Begin by establishing a safe space for discussion. This involves setting clear guidelines for respectful communication and confidentiality. Emphasise that the classroom is a judgment-free zone where students can share their thoughts without fear of ridicule or repercussions. This safe space encourages open dialogue, allowing students to express their concerns.

Provide Some Breathing Room

When discussing online risks, avoid using I, we, you (e.g. "You are at risk of cyberbullying"). Instead, talk in generalisations (e.g. "There is a risk of cyberbullying"). Avoid role-playing scenarios where people are at risk, and putting students on the spot.

Educating Beyond Fear

While it's important to inform students about the risks and dangers of the online world, it's equally vital to avoid fear-mongering. These lessons balance the conversation by highlighting the positive aspects of internet use and digital communication. Being eSmart is all about being aware and safe so we can enjoy and make the most of our time online.

Providing Resources and Support

Check what resources and support systems your school has on offer. In addition, you and your students can access the below resources:

The eSafety Guide provides information on how to manage cyberbullying and how to report it.
Kids Helpline can be called on 1800 55 1800 or accessed through online chat.
Youth Law Australia provides legal information to children and young people in Australia.
And don’t forget: call the police on triple zero (000) if you feel that there is danger. The internet is not separate from real life, and particularly in doxxing situations (where personal information such as physical address or real name have been stolen), there may be times when the police are needed.

Online Terminology

Online language changes FAST. The terms that we have included here are some of the longer-standing ones. However, they may have been replaced by more up-to-date variations. The Urban Dictionary is a great source for staying up-to-date with language, but be aware it is NSFW (not safe for work) and has swearing and other classroom-inappropriate language. Here are the definitions for the words included in Lesson 1: Online Lingo.

Phishing	A type of scam where someone tries to steal your personal data by pretending to be someone or something you trust, like a friend, a game, or even your email service!
Doxxing	Finding out someone’s personal information, like their address or real name, and sharing it online with the intention of causing harm.
Cracking	Breaking a security system to gain illegal and unauthorised access to data, and do harm.
Spoofing	Disguising a communication (like an email) to make it look like it comes from a trusted source. For example, using [schoolname].com instead of the real [schoolname].edu.au
VPN	Virtual Private Network. This lets you connect to the internet through a special server that encrypts your data, making it secure.
Spam	Junk or annoying emails and messages.
DDoSing	Attempting to ‘bring down’ an online service by overwhelming it with too much traffic.
Catfishing	Pretending to be someone else.
Cookie	A small piece of data sent from a website and stored on a user's computer while they are browsing a website.
IRL	In Real Life (not online but in the real world).
Malware	Short for malicious software. (Malicious means intending to do harm). Malware is any program or file that is harmful to a network, device and/or its user. Types of malware can include computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses and spyware.
Viral	When content like a video or photo becomes popular online very quickly and spreads fast (like a virus!).
DMs	Direct messages, just between two people
Cyber threat	An attempt to damage or disrupt a computer network or system.
Internet of Things (IoT)	The interconnection via the internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data.
Trending	Content that is super popular right now and lots of people are watching it
Cyberbullying	Being mean or harassing people online
Hacking	Gaining access to data on a computer or system without authorised access, but not with the intention to do harm or steal information.
Trolling	Purposefully trying to upset someone online.

Further Professional Learning and reading

The eSafety Guide

Learn about the latest games, apps and social media, including how to protect your information and report harmful content. (This guide is for information purposes only and inclusion does not imply eSafety endorses a service or platform.)

DigiTalk

The Alannah & Madeline Foundation has a range of resources to support Australian families to build essential digital skills to develop a generation of safe and strong digital citizens who are capable and compassionate. These resources are developed to help children and young people, and the people who care for them to reduce their risk of exposure to online harm and empower them to successfully and safely navigate the digital world.

Additional information

About eSmart Digital Licence+

The Alannah & Madeline Foundation has developed a new and innovative online learning experience that builds digital intelligence in students aged 10-14, giving them the knowledge and skills they need to harness the opportunities and deal with the challenges of the digital world. Aligned to leading international frameworks for digital intelligence and future readiness, the Digital Licence+ offers cutting edge, evidence-based learning materials that educators can use in remote and blended learning environments.

Play and Learn

The eSmart Digital Licence+ offers an exciting, gamified learning experience for students to explore an interactive story-world. Users are engaged with learning materials, relatable scenarios and guided reflections of their own experiences with technology so they build digital intelligence. By completing each milestone, students earn the badges they need to receive their Digital Licence+.

Why digital intelligence?

Digital technology mediates and augments almost every aspect of a young person’s life, even more so since the prevalence of COVID-19.

It is crucial that young people develop social and emotional competencies, along with technical knowledge and skills that enable them to harness the opportunities and deal with the challenges of the digital world.

Beyond IQ and EQ, DQ (Digital Intelligence) represents a comprehensive set of skills needed for young people to thrive in the digital age. The DQ framework developed by the DQ Institute is the global standard related to digital literacy, digital skills, and digital readiness as approved by the IEEE Standards Board (IEEE 3527.1™).

More than technical know-how, digital intelligence enables young people to use technology in a safe, balanced and healthy way through active self-regulation and self-awareness, and encourages them to communicate and collaborate online with respect, kindness and empathy.

The Alannah & Madeline Foundation is proud to work with the DQ Institute, to align Digital Licence+ with the DQ global standard to deliver engaging, high-quality, evidence-based learning experiences to children and young people.

Getting Started with eSmart DL+

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Summary

Lesson Guides and Printables

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