aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Personal development
What age group	Year or Grade 11
What topic	Internet safety
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Engaging Beginning for a Year 11 Personal Development Lesson on Internet Safety

The Digital Dilemma: A Classroom Experience

Objective

To spark students' curiosity about internet safety and encourage them to reflect on their own online behaviours.

Introduction Activity: "The Online Reality Check"

1. Preparation:

   • Before the lesson, prepare a set of index cards that each contain a different online scenario. Here are some examples to consider:
     • You receive a friend request from someone you don’t know.
     • You find a link to a video that promises to reveal a secret about your favourite celebrity.
     • A friend shares a meme that includes personal information about someone else.
     • You see a post that claims you've won a prize but asks for your details to claim it.
     • You’re chatting with a classmate online, and they ask for your home address.

2. Set the Scene:

   • As students enter the classroom, have a large digital projection displaying a thought-provoking quote about the internet, such as:

     “The internet is like a playground: it can be a place of joy, but there are hidden dangers lurking everywhere.”

3. Divide Students into Small Groups:

   • Divide the students into groups of four or five.
   • Hand out one scenario card to each group without allowing them to show anyone else their card.

4. Group Discussion:

   • Give the groups 5 minutes to discuss their scenario. They should consider:
     • What are the potential risks involved?
     • How would they react in the situation?
     • What safety measures could be taken to handle it better?

5. Sharing Insights:

   • After the discussions, ask each group to share their scenario and a brief summary of their discussion with the class. This can be done by having a spokesperson from each group present.

Wrap Up of the Activity

Conclude the opening session by transitioning to the main lesson:

• Explain that today's topic will delve deeper into internet safety, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world safely and effectively.
• Encourage open dialogue, reminding them of the importance of mutual respect and trust in conversations about personal experiences with the internet.

Expected Outcomes

Students should leave this introductory activity with heightened awareness about the various digital threats they may encounter and a sense of responsibility towards their own online behaviour and that of their peers.

Next Steps

Following this activity, dive into specific topics such as cyberbullying, privacy settings, and strategies for safe online interactions. Use the insights gathered from the initial discussions to tailor the conversation to their perspectives.