Have you ever wondered how to make better choices when you’re online? Today, we’re going to explore a cool tool that helps you think carefully about your digital decisions. It’s called Digital Compass, and it’s designed to make learning about internet safety fun and interactive!
The internet is a huge place where you can learn, play, and connect with others. But it’s also important to be careful about what you share and how you behave online. Once something is posted, it can be hard to take back. That’s why thinking before you post is super important!
Digital Compass is an awesome interactive experience created by Common Sense Education. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure game where you get to step into the shoes of one of eight different characters. Each character faces different challenges and decisions in their digital lives.
With each adventure, you’ll learn about responsible decision-making, understanding yourself and others, and how to build positive relationships with your peers.
You can enjoy Digital Compass on your phone or tablet by downloading it from the iOS or Android app stores. If you prefer using a computer, just visit digitalcompass.org to start your adventure!
Digital Compass is all about helping you navigate the digital world safely and smartly. So, where will your digital journey take you? Start exploring today and become a pro at making great online choices!
Imagine you’re a character in Digital Compass. Write a short story about a digital decision you have to make. Think about the consequences of your choices and how they affect your online safety. Share your story with the class and discuss different outcomes.
Choose a decision point from Digital Compass and split into two groups. Each group will argue for a different choice. Consider the pros and cons of each decision and how it impacts your digital footprint. Present your arguments to the class and vote on the best choice.
Create a poster that highlights key internet safety tips you learned from Digital Compass. Use drawings, slogans, and examples to make your poster engaging. Display your posters around the school to help others make smart online choices.
In small groups, act out different scenarios from Digital Compass. Each group will present a situation and demonstrate both a safe and unsafe choice. Discuss as a class which choice was better and why, focusing on the importance of online safety.
Organize a game day where you and your classmates play through different storylines in Digital Compass. After playing, discuss the different endings you reached and what you learned about making smart online decisions. Share your favorite character and storyline with the class.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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(bell sounding) Okay, so the question of the day is: how can we encourage students to think critically about their online decisions? How do we help them pause and reflect before they post?
WOMAN: I know—teaching internet safety can be challenging.
MAN: What if there was a way for students to explore how their daily digital choices, both positive and negative, could impact their lives?
– Right. The internet is so public and permanent. We all know that kids at this age like to experiment, but how can we provide them with a safe space to do so online?
MAN: Wait, what’s this? Digital Compass? That sounds like exactly what they need—an internal digital compass. Check this out.
NARRATOR: Your answer is here with Digital Compass by Common Sense Education, an animated choose-your-own-adventure interactive experience designed for sixth- through ninth-graders. Students step into the shoes of one of eight characters to navigate the twists and turns of daily digital life. Each of the eight unique storylines features nine endings, 23 decision points, and 50 possible story combinations, illustrating the challenges and opportunities of today’s digital world. Each storyline also includes a skill-based mini-game to help reinforce students’ knowledge.
With each hour-long experience, Digital Compass encourages students to reflect on responsible decision-making, social and self-awareness, and building positive peer relationships. Digital Compass is available on both iOS and Android, or you can find it on the web at digitalcompass.org.
Digital Compass—where are you headed?
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Let me know if you need any further modifications!
Digital – Related to technology or electronic devices that use computer systems – Many students use digital tools like tablets and computers for their school projects.
Compass – A tool or guide that helps you find direction or make decisions – Using a moral compass can help you make the right choices online.
Choices – Options or decisions you can make – When you are online, you have many choices about what to read and share.
Internet – A global network that connects millions of computers, allowing people to access information and communicate – The internet is a great place to find information for your homework, but you should always check if the sources are reliable.
Safety – The condition of being protected from danger or harm – Online safety is important, so never share your personal information with strangers.
Decisions – Conclusions or resolutions reached after consideration – Making good decisions about what to post online can help protect your privacy.
Learning – The process of gaining knowledge or skills through study or experience – Digital literacy is an important part of learning in the modern world.
Responsible – Having a duty to deal with something or having control over someone – Being responsible online means thinking before you post and respecting others.
Relationships – The way in which two or more people or things are connected – Building positive relationships online can be just as important as in real life.
Explore – To investigate or study something in order to learn more about it – You can explore new topics and ideas by using educational websites and apps.
