The challenge lies in understanding how the design and functionality of social media platforms influence user behavior and societal norms, often leading to both positive connections and negative consequences like misinformation and privacy concerns. Navigating these digital spaces requires awareness of ethical considerations and the ability to critically evaluate the impact of one's digital identity and actions.
Challenge Question
How can the design of a social media platform be optimized to enhance positive interactions while minimizing harmful behaviors and privacy risks?
Standards
[ISTE] 1.1.c - Students use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practice and to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.
[ISTE] 1.1.d - Students understand the fundamental concepts of technology operations, demonstrate the ability to choose, use and troubleshoot current technologies and are able to transfer their knowledge to explore emerging technologies.
[ISTE] 1.2.a - Students cultivate and manage their digital identity and reputation and are aware of the permanence of their actions in the digital world.
[ISTE] 1.2.b - Students engage in positive, safe, legal and ethical behavior when using technology, including social interactions online or when using networked devices.
[ISTE] 1.2.c - Students demonstrate an understanding of and respect for the rights and obligations of using and sharing intellectual property.
[ISTE] 1.2.d - Students manage their personal data to maintain digital privacy and security and are aware of data-collection technology used to track their navigation online.
[ISTE] 1.3.a - Students plan and employ effective research strategies to locate information and other resources for their intellectual or creative pursuits.
[ISTE] 1.3.b - Students evaluate the accuracy, perspective, credibility and relevance of information, media, data or other resources.
[ISTE] 1.3.c - Students curate information from digital resources using a variety of tools and methods to create collections of artifacts that demonstrate meaningful connections or conclusions.
[ISTE] 1.3.d - Students build knowledge by actively exploring real-world issues and problems, developing ideas and theories and pursuing answers and solutions.
Competencies
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
Learning Partners and Clients
Local community organizations focused on digital literacy and online safety, such as a local library or a regional digital rights advocacy group, can serve as valuable partners. These organizations can provide insights into current social media challenges and opportunities for students to present their projects and receive feedback. Additionally, inviting a local tech entrepreneur or social media manager to discuss real-world applications and ethical considerations can deepen students' understanding and engagement.
Phase Outcomes
Phase
Learning Outcome
Discover
I can identify the challenge and its root causes through an engaging launch activity that sparks curiosity and conviction about the problem.
Examine
I can research the causes and effects of the challenge by undertaking tasks that deepen my understanding and connect to specific learning outcomes.
Engineer
I can develop a solution that will have a real impact on those affected by the problem through careful design and planning.
Do
I can implement my solution, collect real-world data, and test its effectiveness to ensure it addresses the problem effectively.
Share
I can share my built solution and learning journey with an authentic audience, highlighting my personal growth and insights gained during the project.
