Active learning ideas
This topic explores the revolutionary impact of 'new media', digital, interactive, and social platforms, on British society. Students assess how these technologies have changed the way we consume news, participate in politics, and maintain social relationships. They look at the shift from a 'one-to-many' model of communication to a 'many-to-many' model.
Activity 01
Students discuss how the constant stream of news on social media affects their stress levels and their understanding of the world. They share with a partner how they 'fact-check' the information they see online.
What are the key characteristics of new media?
Activity 02
Groups research the 'digital divide' in the UK, looking at data on internet access by age, income, and region. They create a 'digital inclusion plan' for a local community to help bridge this gap.
How has social media changed political campaigning?
Activity 03
One side argues that social media 'empowers' citizens and improves democracy (e.g., through activism), while the other argues it 'weakens' democracy (e.g., through echo chambers and fake news).
Does the digital divide still exist in Britain?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
The 'digital divide' is just about having a phone.
It's also about 'digital literacy', the skills to use technology effectively. A 'skills audit' activity can help students see that even if everyone has a device, not everyone has the same 'social capital' or ability to navigate the digital world.
New media has completely replaced old media.
In reality, there is 'media convergence,' where old and new media blend together (e.g., reading a newspaper on an app). Analyzing how a single news story is told across different platforms helps students see this overlap.
Methods used in this brief
Ownership and Control of the Media
An investigation into who owns the mass media in Britain and how this ownership influences the content produced. Students will contrast pluralist and Marxist perspectives.
8 methodologies
Media Representation of Social Groups
Students will critically examine how the media portrays different social classes, genders, ethnicities, and age groups, exploring the concept of stereotyping.
8 methodologies