Computing · Year 7 · Impacts and Digital Literacy · Autumn Term

Privacy Settings and Online Identity

Students will learn to manage privacy settings on various platforms and understand how their online identity is constructed.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• KS3: Computing - Digital Literacy
• KS3: Computing - Online Safety

About This Topic

Year 7 students begin exploring the critical concept of online privacy and identity. This unit focuses on practical skills, teaching students how to navigate and adjust privacy settings across different digital platforms, from social media to gaming environments. Understanding these settings is crucial for controlling who sees their information and how their digital footprint is formed. Students will learn that their online identity is not just a reflection of their real-world self, but a curated presentation that can be managed and protected.

This exploration extends to understanding the permanence of online information and the potential consequences of oversharing. By comparing their online personas with their offline lives, students develop a nuanced understanding of digital citizenship. They will consider how their actions and shared content contribute to their reputation and how to maintain a positive and secure presence. This foundational knowledge is vital for navigating the complexities of the digital world safely and responsibly.

Active learning is particularly beneficial here because students can directly experiment with different privacy settings in a controlled environment. This hands-on approach makes abstract concepts like data protection and digital reputation tangible and memorable, fostering deeper engagement and understanding.

Key Questions

1. Evaluate the effectiveness of different privacy settings on social media platforms.
2. Design a strategy for maintaining a positive and secure online identity.
3. Compare the concept of online identity with real-world identity.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Once something is online, it's impossible to remove.

What to Teach Instead

While difficult, understanding how to delete accounts and content, and the role of privacy settings in limiting initial access, can be explored. Active investigation of platform deletion policies and the impact of cached data helps students grasp the nuances.

Common Misconception

Privacy settings are too complicated to understand or change.

What to Teach Instead

Hands-on exploration of platform settings, guided by clear instructions, demystifies the process. Students can see firsthand how simple adjustments can significantly alter their online visibility and data sharing.

Active Learning Ideas

Platform Privacy Audit: Setting Sleuths

In pairs, students choose a common social media or gaming platform. They then systematically investigate and document the available privacy settings, noting what each setting controls and its potential impact on visibility. Finally, they present their findings to the class, highlighting the most important settings for user control.

45 min·Pairs

Online Identity Persona Map

Individually, students create a visual map comparing their real-world identity traits with their curated online identity. They identify elements they choose to share online versus those they keep private, discussing the reasons behind these choices. This activity encourages self-reflection on digital presentation.

30 min·Individual

Digital Footprint Scenario Analysis

Small groups analyze short case studies of individuals whose online actions led to unexpected consequences. They discuss how different privacy settings and online behaviors might have altered the outcomes, focusing on responsible digital decision-making.

40 min·Small Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is learning about privacy settings important for Year 7 students?

It's crucial because students are increasingly active online. Understanding privacy settings helps them control who sees their personal information, protect themselves from unwanted contact, and build a positive online reputation. This knowledge is fundamental to safe and responsible digital citizenship.

How can students compare their online and real-world identities?

Students can create visual 'persona maps' or Venn diagrams. They list characteristics, interests, and behaviors associated with their offline self and then identify which of these they choose to express online, and how. This process highlights the deliberate choices involved in constructing an online identity.

What are the key elements of a secure online identity?

A secure online identity involves using strong, unique passwords, being cautious about sharing personal details, understanding and utilizing privacy settings, and being aware of potential online threats like phishing. It also means thinking critically about the information shared and its potential impact.

How does active learning benefit understanding online privacy?

Active learning, such as students directly manipulating privacy settings on simulated or real platforms, makes the concepts concrete. They can immediately see the effects of their choices, fostering a deeper, practical understanding of digital security and personal data management that passive instruction cannot replicate.