1. Introduction

Introduction

Today, youth are growing up with the unique experience of having endless information at their fingertips. According to Public Safety Canada, Canadians under 25 years old spend an average of 7 hours online every day (Safety in Canada, 2019). Another reality is that 42% of Canadians experienced at least one cyber security incident during the pandemic (Statistics Canada, 2020), which has highlighted an increase in cyber threat actors and complexity. 

In a digital age that offers an environment rich with opportunities, challenges and complexity, Actua’s goal is to equip youth with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to navigate the internet safely as users and creators of technology.

This module will have two parts:

  • Part 1, Welcome to Cyber Smart,  will focus on sharing learnings and resources Actua’s Cyber Smart Education Project.
  • Part 2, Leveling Up: Cyber Smart & Digital Skills, will focus on skills building (coming soon!).

Learning Goals

  • Understand how to deliver engaging and hands-on cyber smart learning experiences to diverse youth and in diverse settings.
  • Explore the cyber smart (cyber safety, cyber security and digital citizenship) landscape.
  • Gain awareness of your current knowledge and new skills on being responsible and empowered online.
  • Develop tools and strategies for incorporating cyber smart experiences and adapting it for the needs of your program.

Future Skills Developed

  • Critical Thinking & Analysis
  • Self-Awareness
  • Problem Solving
  • Communication

Course Overview

This training module was developed by the Actua team leveraging resources developed in collaboration with subject matter experts in the field. The overview of the course is as follows:

  1. Introduction - 10 minutes 
    1. Learning Goals
    2. Future Skills Developed
    3. Activity (Reflection)
  2. Cyber Safety for All Canadians - 30 minutes
    1. Why Cyber Smart?
    2. Activity (Keyword Connections) 
  3. What is Cyber Smart Education? - 30 minutes   
    1. Actua's Vision 
    2. Developed Resources 
    3. Activity (How would you teach one of these topics?) 
  4. Navigating Difficult Conversations - 20 minutes 
    1. Context 
    2. Activity (Scenarios) 
  5. Bringing it into your programs - 20 minutes
    1. Mindsets 
    2. Insights - Working with Diverse Youth 
    3. Activity (Reflection) 
  6. Reflection - 10 minutes

Activity: Reflect

Begin this training course by reflecting on the following questions:

  • How often do you use technology in the following settings? How do you leverage it?
    • School
    • Socializing
    • Everyday tasks (e.g., chores, banking, commuting)
  • What are the benefits and challenges of being online?
  • How has the use of technology changed from 10 years ago to now? How will it continue to change 10 years into the future? 50 years?
  • How knowledgeable do you feel about how to be safe and responsible online?

Before moving to the next section, build your awareness of some of the topics that will be discussed by completing the quiz:

Course

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