The Power of Algorithms
Understanding how algorithms shape the content we see on social media and search engines.
TL;DR:Planning a Digital Project is the vital first step in the 'Exploring and Creating' strand of the NCCA Digital Media Literacy specification. Students move from being consumers to creators, learning that high-quality media requires a clear purpose and a defined audience. This topic covers the essential pre-production skills of storyboarding, scripting, and audience analysis.
About This Topic
Planning a Digital Project is the vital first step in the 'Exploring and Creating' strand of the NCCA Digital Media Literacy specification. Students move from being consumers to creators, learning that high-quality media requires a clear purpose and a defined audience. This topic covers the essential pre-production skills of storyboarding, scripting, and audience analysis.
For 3rd Year students, this planning phase is crucial for managing the complexity of their final projects. By identifying their target audience early, they can make informed decisions about tone, style, and platform. This topic comes alive when students can engage in peer teaching and collaborative brainstorming to refine their project ideas before they ever touch a camera or a computer.
Key Questions
- What is an algorithm?
- How do algorithms create filter bubbles?
- Can algorithms be biased?
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionI don't need a plan; I'll just figure it out while I'm filming.
What to Teach Instead
Lack of planning leads to wasted time and poor quality. A quick 'failed project' case study or a role play showing the chaos of an unplanned shoot helps students value the pre-production phase.
Common MisconceptionMy target audience is 'everyone.'
What to Teach Instead
Content for 'everyone' often appeals to no one. A collaborative investigation into successful media campaigns shows students that specific targeting is the key to engagement and impact.
Active Learning Ideas
See all activities→Simulation Game
Collaborative Brainstorming: The Audience Persona
Groups create a detailed 'persona' for their target audience, including age, interests, and digital habits. They then pitch their project idea to this persona, explaining why it would appeal to them.
Think-Pair-Share
Storyboard Swap
Students sketch a 6-frame storyboard for a 30-second video. They swap with a partner who must 'read' the story back to them; this helps identify where the visual narrative might be unclear or missing steps.
Gallery Walk
Project Pitch Posters
Students display their project plans and storyboards. Peers move around the room providing 'I like...' and 'I wonder...' feedback on post-it notes to help refine the project's purpose and structure.