The Role of Social Media
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
| Step Number | Step Title | Length | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | 5 min | Briefly introduce the topic of social media's role in news dissemination. Ask students for examples of social media platforms they use. |
| 2 | Discussion on News Sharing | 10 min | Facilitate a class discussion focused on how news spreads through social media. Identify benefits and drawbacks. |
| 3 | Ethical Considerations | 10 min | Present key ethical issues related to sharing news online. Engage students in thinking about fake news and responsible sharing. |
| 4 | Group Activity | 10 min | Hand out printable cards for students to fill out during the lesson. They will use these to record key points and ethical dilemmas. |
| 5 | Random Checking | 5 min | Collect or randomly check the filled-out cards to assess student engagement and understanding of the content. |
| 6 | Assign Homework | 5 min | Assign homework related to the topic but do not require students to present it in front of the class. |
"Good morning, class! Today, we will explore an important topic that affects all of us: the role of social media in news dissemination. Social media platforms are a big part of our lives, so understanding how they influence our access to information is essential.
Can anyone tell me which social media platforms you use to get news? (Pause for responses.)
Great! We have a variety of platforms here. Now, let’s delve deeper into how news spreads through these channels."
"Now that we've shared some platforms, let’s open up a discussion about how news gets shared on social media.
Think about how you came across a news story recently. Was it shared by a friend, or did you find it scrolling through your feed?
(Encourage students to share examples.)
What are some benefits of getting news through social media? (Wait for responses.) Yes, immediate access and diverse opinions! Now, let’s talk about some drawbacks.
What concerns do you have about news shared on social media? (Encourage discussion around misinformation, bias, etc.)
Excellent points! It can be a double-edged sword, can’t it?"
"Next, let’s explore the ethical implications of sharing news online.
We often hear terms like 'fake news' and 'responsible sharing.' Why do you think it’s important to share credible information? (Pause for reactions.)
Exactly! Sharing misinformation can lead to a lot of confusion and harm. I want you to think about the responsibilities we have when sharing content.
What ethical dilemmas might arise from something like a sensational headline? (Guiding the conversation to the importance of verifying sources.)
Remember, it’s not just about sharing; it’s about sharing responsibly. Let’s keep this in mind as we move to our next activity."
"Now, it's time for a group activity to dive deeper into the topic.
I’m going to hand out these printable cards. You can use these to jot down key points we’ve discussed and any ethical dilemmas you think might be relevant.
As you work through the next discussion, try to think critically about what you write.
I’ll divide you into small groups, and I want you to discuss one scenario I’ll provide shortly. Each group will have a chance to reflect on the ethical considerations involved in that scenario using the cards.
Let’s spend the next 10 minutes on this."
"Time's up! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Now, I’d like to quickly check the cards you filled out. I won’t collect them all—I’ll randomly select a few to gauge your engagement and understanding.
(Note: Walk around and pick a few cards to look over while providing brief feedback.)
This process allows me to see your progress on the material we covered today."
"Finally, as we wrap up our lesson, I’d like to assign you some homework.
For the homework, I want you to find an example of a news story shared on social media that concerns you—this could be something thought-provoking, misleading, or controversial. Write a short reflection about why you chose that story and what ethical considerations you think apply.
Remember, you won’t be sharing this in class, so feel free to express your thoughts in as much detail as you want.
Any questions on the homework? (Wait for questions.)
Great! Thank you all for your active participation today. I look forward to reading your reflections!"
| Slide Number | Image | Slide Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | {Image: A graphic showing various social media logos} | - Introduction to the role of social media in news dissemination - Importance of understanding social media's influence on information |
| 2 | {Image: A classroom discussion with students raising hands} | - Discussion on how news is shared on social media - Examples from students on how they encountered news stories - Benefits: Immediate access, diverse opinions |
| 3 | {Image: A split image showing positive and negative news sharing} | - Drawbacks of news on social media - Concerns: Misinformation, bias - Acknowledgment of social media as a double-edged sword |
| 4 | {Image: A person looking at a phone with a news article and question marks} | - Ethical implications of sharing news online - Importance of sharing credible information - Responsibilities involved in sharing content |
| 5 | {Image: A magnifying glass over a news article} | - Ethical dilemmas with sensational headlines - Importance of verifying sources - Emphasis on responsible sharing |
| 6 | {Image: A group of students working together} | - Introduction to the group activity - Use of printable cards to jot down key points and ethical dilemmas - Group discussions on provided scenarios |
| 7 | {Image: A timer counting down during a group activity} | - Time allocation for group work (10 minutes) - Encouragement to think critically during discussions |
| 8 | {Image: A teacher checking student work} | - Random checking of filled-out cards - Purpose: Gauge engagement and understanding - Brief feedback to students |
| 9 | {Image: A notebook with a pencil and a news article} | - Introduction to homework assignment - Find a news story from social media that concerns you - Write a reflection on ethical considerations |
| 10 | {Image: A student raising their hand in a classroom} | - Wrap-up of the lesson - Encouragement for active participation - Open floor for any questions about homework |
What social media platforms do you frequently use to access news? List at least three.
Describe a recent news story you encountered on social media. How did you find it, and what influenced your decision to read or share it?
Identify two benefits of receiving news through social media platforms. Explain why they are beneficial.
Discuss at least two potential drawbacks of getting news from social media. What issues might these drawbacks create?
What does the term "fake news" mean to you? Why is it important to verify the information before sharing it?
Describe an ethical dilemma that can arise from sharing a sensational headline on social media. What consequences might this have on public perception?
Reflect on a news story that you believe was shared irresponsibly on social media. What ethical concerns did it raise?
Why is it crucial for individuals to share credible information on social media? What responsibilities do you think users have?
How can individuals determine if a news source is credible? List at least three criteria you would use.
Write a short reflection on a news story you found concerning on social media. Discuss the ethical considerations involved in sharing this story and how it relates to your understanding of responsible sharing.
Answers will vary (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.).
Answers will vary; students should provide details on how they located the news story.
Answers will vary; examples might include immediate access to information and diverse viewpoints.
Answers will vary; examples might include misinformation, bias, or sensationalism.
"Fake news" typically refers to false or misleading information presented as news. Verifying information is important to prevent the spread of false beliefs and confusion.
Answers will vary; potential consequences might include spreading misinformation or influencing opinions based on inaccurate data.
Answers will vary; students should describe a specific case and the ethical implications surrounding it.
Sharing credible information is crucial to maintain trust and inform the public accurately; users are responsible for fact-checking and sharing verified information.
Answers will vary; students might include criteria such as author credibility, source reliability, and fact-checking.
Answers will vary based on the news story chosen; students should discuss their reflections on its ethical implications and personal insights.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What social media platforms do you use to get news? | |
| How does news typically get shared on social media? | |
| What are some benefits of getting news through social media? | |
| What concerns do you have about news shared on social media? | |
| Why is it important to share credible information on social media? | |
| What ethical dilemmas might arise from sensational headlines? | |
| Why is it essential to verify sources before sharing news? | |
| Can you think of an example where misinformation caused harm? | |
| How can we encourage responsible sharing of news on social media? | |
| What roles do you think social media companies should play in combating misinformation? |