Unit 1: Protecting Digital Privacy, Accounts, and Devices
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Next Unit: Unit 2: Making Safe and Responsible Digital Decisions
Unit Overview
Digital privacy and security are essential skills for students who use technology for learning, communication, and entertainment. Students regularly interact with websites, applications, online games, and digital accounts. However, they may not fully understand which information should remain private or how everyday security practices protect their information and devices.
In this unit, participants will examine common privacy and security risks associated with personal information, digital accounts, and devices. They will explore strategies for protecting information, recognize weaknesses in everyday digital practices, and analyze realistic scenarios that can be adapted for K–12 classrooms.
Participants will also consider how to introduce these concepts to students at different grade levels through short, age-appropriate classroom activities.
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify personal information, digital accounts, and devices that require protection.
- Explain privacy risks and common cybersecurity safeguards.
- Analyze realistic scenarios involving information sharing and weak security practices.
- Recommend appropriate safeguards and age-appropriate strategies for teaching digital privacy and security.
Unit Lessons
Lesson 1: Personal Information and Digital Privacy
- Identify personal information, recognize privacy risks, and explore safe information-sharing practices.
Lesson 2: Securing Digital Accounts and Devices
- Identify security weaknesses and apply safeguards to protect digital accounts and devices.
Lesson 1: Personal Information and Digital Privacy
Personal information can reveal details about an individual's identity, location, and daily activities. Sharing this information without considering privacy risks may expose individuals to unwanted contact, identity theft, or other security concerns.
In this lesson, participants will learn to identify personal information, recognize situations where privacy may be compromised, and recommend safer ways to share information online. They will also explore how these concepts can be introduced to K–12 students through simple, realistic classroom activities.
Lesson 2: Securing Digital Accounts and Devices
Digital accounts and devices store personal information, schoolwork, communications, and other valuable resources. Weak passwords, outdated software, and unsafe account practices can expose this information to unauthorized access.
In this lesson, participants will examine common cybersecurity safeguards and analyze situations involving weak security practices. They will recommend protective measures and consider how to explain these measures to K–12 students.
Click here to continue to Unit 2: Making Safe and Responsible Digital Decisions