Professor Luciano Floridi used the term ONLIFE to define the current reality where it is no longer possible to make a clear distinction between the digital and the analogical dimension (Treccani, 2019).
ONLIFE has increased the rights, duties and opportunities, but it also presents potential adngers. Developing appropriate security measures is important when personal data is shared, and is even more urgent when children are concerned.
This issue has been largely discussed in the EU: the European Strategy for a Better Internet for Children offers a set of complementary resources. The European Commission co-funds Safer Internet Centres in its Member States, which are united in the European network Insafe; the Better Internet for Kids portal is the single-entry point to raise awareness, share best practices and resources. In 2004, the Safer Internet Day was launched (EC Europa, Creating a Better Internet for Kids).
Activity: Play the video to find out what is the Safer Internet Day
Activity: Review the learning outcomes of this unit
Teachers should make their students aware of the possible dangers on the Internet firstly by strengthening their empathy, as the absence of non-verbal hints and eye-contact may result in wrong and extremely harsh judgements. Inform them of the different laws protecting their data online and explain the importance of carefully monitoring their own digital safety.
Using the Web in education requires an awareness of the digital divide existing in society and also the negative impacts that extended online activities may have on physical and psychological well-being. Finally, it is essential to help students develop their digital literacy, in order to respond to fake news, clickbait, scams and other related threats.
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These aspects automatically link to 10 principles for online privacy, retrieved from: Teaching Privacy
- You are leaving footprints
- There’s no anonymity
- Information is valuable
- Someone could listen
- Sharing releases control
- Search is improving
- Online is real
- Identity isn’t guaranteed
- You can’t escape
- Privacy requires work
Netiquette” defines the set of necessary rules for a responsible use of online resources and for respectful collaboration on the web, e.g.: write accurately, read carefully and control your tone; respect others’ privacy; quote your sources; contribute to keep flaming – exchange of angry posts – under control; respect safety rules; share with discretion; fact check before sharing.
And what about Open Data? (Open Knowledge Foundation, How to Open Data)
- Be simple: start with smaller steps, such as opening up parts of databases;
- Keep early and often engaged: engage with users, to make your data useful;
- Make common fears and misunderstandings a priority.
The activities in this Unit provide some ideas to foster discussion with youngsters about the potential consequences of their online activities, which requires a sensitive and professional manner, free from prejudices or punishments.
Activity: Review the presentation which examines Digital Ethics and your Digital Footprint
Presentation Unit 5_Activities