8th Grade Digital Literacy Lesson Plan

Topic: Understanding how to navigate and use the internet responsibly

Objectives & Outcomes

• Understand the basics of navigating the internet and using various online tools for research and communication
• Appreciate the potential risks and benefits of using the internet, and practices for being responsible and safe online

Materials

• Computer with internet access for each student
• Handouts or slides with examples of internet resources and tools

Warm-up

• Have students think about the different ways they use the internet at home or at school.
• Ask them to share some of their favorite websites or online tools.
• As a class, make a list of the different ways students might use the internet, such as for research, communication, entertainment, or shopping.

Direct Instruction

• Define digital literacy as the ability to use technology and the internet effectively and responsibly.
• Provide examples of how digital literacy can be helpful, such as for research, communication, and organization.
• Discuss the importance of digital literacy in today's society, where technology is increasingly pervasive and integral to our daily lives.

Guided Practice

• Have students complete a brief quiz or worksheet on digital literacy skills, such as navigating social media platforms or using email.
• Ask students to think about a specific situation in which they could have used digital literacy skills and discuss how they could have applied the skills in that situation.

Independent Practice

• Have students complete a project-based assignment in which they create a presentation or graphic organizat-ion on digital literacy.
• Students can focus on a specific topic, such as the impact of technology on social interaction, or they can provide a general overview of digital literacy.
• Encourage students to use the skills they have learned and apply them to their presentation or graphic organization.

Closure

• Have students share their presentations or graphic organizat-ions with the class.
• As students present, have the rest of the class listen and give feedback.
• Review the main points of the lesson and ask students to share what they learned about digital literacy.

Assessment

• Observe students during the independent practice activity to assess their understanding of the material.
• Collect and review the presentations or graphic organizers to assess students' ability to apply their understanding of digital literacy in a real world context.