Course Plan: Online Safety for Year 1 Computer Science
Introduction
Welcome to the Online Safety course for Year 1 students! In today's digital world, it is essential for children to learn how to navigate the internet safely. This course is designed to introduce young learners to the fundamental concepts of online safety. Throughout the five lessons, students will engage in interactive activities, discussions, and creative projects to build their understanding of how to stay safe online. By the end of this course, students will understand the importance of online safety and know how to protect themselves when using the internet.
Course Goals and Aims
Goal
To equip Year 1 students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the internet safely and responsibly.
Aims
- To introduce students to the concept of online safety.
- To help students identify safe and unsafe online behaviours.
- To empower students to make good decisions about their online interactions.
- To teach students the importance of respecting others in digital spaces.
- To provide practical strategies for staying safe online.
Lesson Plan Breakdown
Lesson 1: Introduction to Online Safety
Module: What is the Internet?
- Objective: Understand what the internet is and its significance in our lives.
- Activities:
- Discuss with students what they think the internet is and how they use it.
- Show a short video explaining the concept of the internet.
- Create a classroom mural where students draw things they enjoy doing online.
Lesson 2: Keeping Personal Information Private
Module: What is Personal Information?
- Objective: Learn what personal information is and why it should be kept private.
- Activities:
- Introduce the term "personal information" and provide examples (e.g., name, address, school).
- Use role-play to demonstrate sharing and not sharing personal information.
- Play a gameshow-style activity where students identify examples of personal and non-personal information.
Lesson 3: Safe and Unsafe Websites
Module: How to Choose Safe Websites
- Objective: Identify safe and unsafe websites to visit.
- Activities:
- Discuss with students characteristics of safe websites (e.g., educational, age-appropriate).
- Present students with examples of websites and ask them to vote on which ones they think are safe.
- Create a 'Safe Websites' poster using drawings or printouts of safe sites.
Lesson 4: Respect and Kindness Online
Module: Being a Good Digital Citizen
- Objective: Understand the importance of kindness and respect when communicating online.
- Activities:
- Read a story about online bullying and discuss feelings and consequences.
- Encourage students to come up with kind phrases they can use in their online interactions.
- Conduct a "Kindness Challenge" where students can give compliments to peers during the lesson.
Lesson 5: Practicing Online Safety
Module: Creating Our Online Safety Rules
- Objective: Collaborate to create a set of class online safety rules.
- Activities:
- Review key concepts learned throughout the lessons.
- Facilitate a brainstorming session to establish a list of class rules for safe internet use.
- Design a colourful poster of the agreed online safety rules for display in the classroom.
Conclusion
This Online Safety course for Year 1 students is not just about learning facts; it is about creating a safe digital environment for young learners. By understanding how to use the internet wisely, respect others, and protect their personal information, students will be empowered to explore the online world safely and responsibly.