Teaching Cyber Skills Through the Two Sides Game: A Guide for Educators
Introduction
With the increasing use of technology in our daily lives, teaching students about Cyber Skills has become essential. Cyber Skills are smart ways to stay safe while we communicate with others online and use technology. In this blog post, we will discuss an engaging game called “Two Sides” that helps students understand the importance of Cyber Skills and how to apply them in various situations. This game aims to educate students about the potential dangers of online communication and the importance of being cautious when interacting with others online.
No-Prep Activity: Two Sides Game
The Two Sides game is an interactive and fun way to teach students about Cyber Skills without requiring any preparation or materials. The game involves watching four scenes and deciding if each character used their Cyber Skills to stay safe online. To implement this activity:
- Divide students into small groups or pairs.
- Present each scene to the students, either verbally or through a visual medium like a slideshow or video.
- After each scene, ask the students to discuss within their groups whether the character in the scene used their Cyber Skills effectively.
- Bring the class back together and ask each group to share their thoughts and conclusions.
This activity encourages critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving, while also teaching students the importance of applying Cyber Skills in their online interactions.
Discussion Questions
After completing the Two Sides game, use the following questions to stimulate further discussions among your students:
- Why is it essential to communicate only with people we know online?
- How can keeping your social media pages private help protect your personal information?
- What are the potential dangers of tagging your location in social media posts?
- Why is it crucial to report inappropriate content on social media platforms?
Related Skills
Beyond Cyber Skills, there are other relevant skills that students should develop to ensure their well-being and safety in the digital world. Some of these skills include:
- Digital Citizenship: Understanding the rights and responsibilities of being a member of the online community.
- Online Etiquette: Learning how to interact respectfully and responsibly with others in digital spaces.
- Media Literacy: Developing the ability to critically evaluate and analyze digital content, such as identifying fake news, biased information, and unreliable sources.
- Privacy Management: Understanding how to protect personal information and maintain privacy in the digital world.
Next Steps
Teaching Cyber Skills is an essential part of preparing students for the digital world. By incorporating activities like the Two Sides game and engaging discussions, you can help students develop the necessary skills to stay safe and make responsible choices online. To explore more resources and sample materials for teaching Cyber Skills and other related skills, sign up for free samples at Everyday Speech.
