The Trudeau Era to the Present · Term 4

The Digital Age in Canada

The impact of the internet and social media on Canadian democracy and culture.

About This Topic

The digital age has fundamentally transformed Canadian society, culture, and democracy. This topic explores the impact of the internet and social media on how Canadians communicate, consume information, and engage in politics. Students examine the rise of the 'digital divide', the gap between those with reliable high-speed internet and those without, particularly in rural and Northern communities, and how this affects access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.

The curriculum also focuses on the challenges of maintaining a distinct Canadian culture in a globalized digital world and the impact of social media on political campaigning and public discourse. Students investigate issues like 'fake news,' online harassment, and the role of algorithms in shaping what we see. This topic benefits from analyzing digital media and collaborative investigations into the 'online' Canadian identity. Students grasp the complexity of the digital age faster through peer-led discussions and by reflecting on their own digital footprints and responsibilities.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze how specific social media platforms have altered the strategies and outcomes of Canadian federal election campaigns.
• Explain the mechanisms by which digital platforms challenge the preservation of distinct Canadian cultural industries and content.
• Evaluate the disparity in digital access and literacy across Canadian provinces and territories, identifying contributing factors.
• Critique the role of algorithms and misinformation in shaping public opinion on Canadian political issues.
• Synthesize arguments about the future of Canadian identity in an increasingly interconnected digital environment.

Before You Start

Canadian Identity and Multiculturalism

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of what constitutes Canadian identity and the principles of multiculturalism to analyze challenges to cultural preservation in the digital age.

Forms of Government in Canada

Why: Knowledge of Canada's parliamentary democracy and electoral processes is necessary to understand how social media impacts political campaigning and discourse.

Key Vocabulary

Digital Divide	The gap between individuals and communities that have access to modern information and communication technology, like high-speed internet, and those that do not.
Algorithmic Bias	Systematic and repeatable errors in a computer system that create unfair outcomes, such as favoring certain political viewpoints or demographic groups in content delivery.
Disinformation	False information deliberately and strategically spread to deceive, influence public opinion, or achieve political or ideological goals.
Cultural Sovereignty	The ability of a nation to control its own culture, including media, arts, and information, free from undue foreign influence, a concept challenged by global digital platforms.
Echo Chamber	A situation where beliefs are amplified or reinforced by communication and repetition inside a closed system, often facilitated by social media algorithms that prioritize engagement.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Digital Divide

In small groups, students use maps and data to compare internet access and speeds across different regions of Canada. They discuss how the lack of high-speed internet in some areas creates inequality and what the government's role should be in fixing it.

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: Social Media and Democracy

Students analyze a recent Canadian political campaign's use of social media. They discuss with a partner the pros (e.g., reaching more people) and cons (e.g., the spread of misinformation) of digital campaigning for a healthy democracy.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

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Simulation Game: The 'CanCon' Challenge

Students act as digital content creators (e.g., YouTubers, TikTokers). They must find ways to promote Canadian stories and culture online without the traditional support of broadcasters, debating whether new 'digital CanCon' rules are needed.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

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Real-World Connections

Political strategists in Ottawa use social media analytics to target specific voter demographics with tailored campaign messages during federal elections, mirroring practices seen in the 2019 and 2021 Canadian elections.

Canadian musicians and filmmakers navigate platforms like Spotify and Netflix, facing challenges in gaining visibility and fair compensation against global content giants, impacting the viability of domestic arts.

The CRTC's ongoing consultations on internet service in rural and remote areas, such as Nunavut and Northern Ontario, directly address the digital divide, aiming to improve access for essential services and economic participation.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Everyone in Canada has easy access to the internet.

What to Teach Instead

Many rural, Northern, and Indigenous communities still lack reliable and affordable high-speed internet, which limits their participation in the modern economy and society. Using a 'Connectivity Map' helps students see the significant gaps in Canada's digital infrastructure.

Common Misconception

Information on social media is just as reliable as traditional news.

What to Teach Instead

Social media algorithms often prioritize engagement over accuracy, and 'fake news' can spread quickly. Peer discussion about 'media literacy' and 'fact-checking' helps students develop the skills to navigate the digital information landscape more critically.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'How has the rise of social media changed the way Canadians participate in political discourse compared to the pre-internet era?' Ask students to identify at least two specific changes and provide examples from recent Canadian elections or political events.

Quick Check

Present students with a short news clip or social media post related to a Canadian cultural issue. Ask them to identify whether the content represents a challenge to Canadian cultural sovereignty and explain their reasoning in 2-3 sentences.

Exit Ticket

On an exit ticket, have students define the term 'digital divide' in their own words and then list one specific consequence of this divide for a Canadian community they have studied.

Frequently Asked Questions

How has the internet changed Canadian culture?

It has made it easier for Canadians to access global culture but harder for Canadian artists to be heard. It has also allowed for the growth of new, diverse voices and the creation of online communities that transcend geography.

What is the 'digital divide' in Canada?

It is the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technology (like high-speed internet) and those who do not. In Canada, this divide often follows regional and economic lines, with rural and Northern areas being the most underserved.

How does social media affect Canadian politics?

It allows politicians to communicate directly with voters and for citizens to organize and protest more easily. However, it also contributes to political polarization, the spread of misinformation, and the rise of online harassment.

How can active learning help students understand the digital age?

Active learning strategies, such as investigating the digital divide and simulating content creation, help students understand the practical and social impacts of technology. By engaging with the challenges and the opportunities of the digital world, students move beyond being 'passive consumers' to being 'critical citizens.' This hands-on approach fosters a deeper understanding of the importance of digital literacy and the role of technology in shaping the future of Canada.