This class, "Screen Smart Internet Intelligence Navigating the Digital World Safely," is designed to empower teenagers with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. Over 16 weeks, students will delve into the essential aspects of digital literacy, including understanding online privacy, mastering cybersecurity basics, and learning how to navigate digital content with a critical eye. From recognizing the signs of phishing scams to managing digital footprints wisely, this course covers the fundamental principles that every teen should know to protect themselves and their information online.

Week 1: Understanding Mobile Phone Addiction
Explore the signs, consequences, and statistics behind mobile phone addiction, and start discussions on finding a healthy balance.

Week 2: Online Privacy Fundamentals
Learn about personal information protection online, including privacy settings on social platforms and understanding terms of service.

Week 3: Cybersecurity Basics
Introduction to cybersecurity principles, including passwords, two-factor authentication, and avoiding phishing scams.

Week 4: Ethical Digital Citizenship
Discuss the responsibilities of being a part of online communities, emphasizing respect, empathy, and digital ethics.

Week 5: Navigating Social Media Wisely
Explore the impact of social media on mental health, self-esteem, and real-life relationships, and strategies for mindful use.

Week 6: Recognizing Misinformation Online
Learn how to identify fake news, check sources, and use critical thinking to evaluate digital content.

Week 7: Digital Footprints and Their Impacts
Understanding how online activities contribute to a digital footprint and its long-term implications on privacy and opportunities.

Week 8: Managing Screen Time Effectively
Strategies for balancing online and offline life, including tools and tips for limiting screen time.

Week 9: Safe Online Communication
Guidelines for safe and respectful communication in online platforms, including email, messaging apps, and forums.

Week 10: Understanding Copyrights and Digital Rights
Learn about copyrights, creative commons, and the importance of respecting digital content ownership.

Week 11: Introduction to Cryptocurrency and Online Transactions
Basics of online financial literacy, focusing on secure transactions, understanding cryptocurrency, and avoiding scams.

Week 12: Cyberbullying: Recognition and Response
Discuss the forms of cyberbullying, its effects, and strategies for dealing with and reporting online harassment.

Week 13: The Role of Algorithms and AI in Our Digital Lives
Understanding how algorithms influence what we see online and the basics of artificial intelligence in everyday applications.

Week 14: Digital Problem-Solving Skills
Developing skills to troubleshoot common digital problems independently, including basic software issues and connectivity troubles.

Week 15: Creating a Positive Online Presence
Tips and practices for building a positive digital identity that reflects well on personal and future professional endeavors.

Week 16: Future Trends in Digital Technology
Exploring emerging digital technologies and trends, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and how they might shape our future.

The flexible schedule (Flex Class) allows your learners to watch the pre-recorded videos and do them at a time that is FUN for them! You can also spend extra time on the topics your child is most interested in. Since this is a flex class with no live meetings, students can log in at a convenient time to complete the week's lesson. We will be going through each week as a group and I will post the lesson weekly (depending on which day you started).

No experience is required to take this class.

Students will be provided with separate videos to watch for each topic. These are outlined below.

The videos will contain the information required to give students a good understanding of each topic, and each one will include homework for the students to undertake during the week. Homework assignments will include writing a list of topics, interests, and areas of expertise in which the students might be interested in developing a business.

After watching each video and completing the homework assignments, students will be provided with feedback and the specific next steps to make their projects.

Timeframe for the Week:
Mondays - The teacher will post the information needed for the week.
Tuesdays-Wednesday - The teacher can answer any questions pertaining to the topic of the week. The students will need to complete any homework assignments and answer any questions in the class.
Thursday - Students need to have all tasks completed and uploaded in the classroom.
Friday - The teacher will provide feedback to the class and individual students, students will also be able to engage in peer-to-peer review and be able to discuss how they went about completing the tasks.
Saturday - Sunday - Teacher will be available to answer any questions that the students may have for the week or the next week.

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For parents/families who feel their child would benefit from this course, but their budget does not allow for it, I do offer a number of discounts for families of lower income. Please message me with the course, dates and times you are interested in to learn more about the discounts I might be able to offer.

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This class is currently being taught by Jo Reynolds.