Computing · Year 7

Active learning ideas

Privacy Settings and Online Identity

Active learning works well for this topic because students need to test privacy settings themselves to see how they function in real apps. Adjusting visibility options in live demos and mapping real versus online identity builds confidence in applying these skills outside the classroom.

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

• 30–45 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Simulation Game
• 45 min · Pairs

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.

Evaluate the effectiveness of different privacy settings on social media platforms.

Facilitation Tip

During the Demo Account Audit, circulate with a checklist to ensure all students locate the privacy settings on each platform, not just the ones they use personally.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Activity 02

• Simulation Game
• 30 min · Individual

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.

Design a strategy for maintaining a positive and secure online identity.

Facilitation Tip

For Identity Mapping, provide a clear example of a profile that mixes neutral and personal details so students see how small choices add up.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Activity 03

• Simulation Game
• 40 min · Small Groups

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.

Compare the concept of online identity with real-world identity.

Facilitation Tip

In Scenario Role-Play, assign roles randomly to avoid students defaulting to their own preferences and to encourage diverse perspectives.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

A few notes on teaching this unit

Teachers should model the process of checking privacy settings slowly, pausing to ask students what they notice at each step. It helps to frame identity as something that evolves, not fixed, so students feel empowered to adjust their settings over time. Research suggests that peer sharing during role-plays reduces anxiety about making mistakes because students realize others face similar dilemmas.

Students will explain how different privacy levels work, identify risks in sample profiles, and justify personal choices using evidence from activities. They will also describe at least two ways online actions can affect real-life reputation.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Demo Account Audit, watch for students who assume private profiles are completely hidden from strangers.

  Use the demo profiles to show how shared posts, tagged photos, or public bios can still appear in search results, even with strict settings turned on.

• During Identity Mapping, watch for students who draw clear lines between online and real selves.

  Have them add arrows between mapped elements and real-life consequences, like how a post about disliking a teacher could affect class relationships.

• During Scenario Role-Play, watch for students who insist strict settings are always best without considering trade-offs.

  Prompt groups to list one benefit of relaxed settings, like connecting with distant family, to balance their decisions.

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Methods used in this brief

• Simulation Game