Internet Super Sleuths: Thinking Critically Online – Wednesdays

    $314.15

    “I love all of Athena’s classes, and thank you for offering them. Internet Super Sleuths was an amazing class to be in and learn about the Internet. I enjoyed creating our own websites and discussing them. Every week I came up with something new to add to my website. Thanks for explaining things in an interesting way while still teaching and encouraging discussions.” ~ Student, Kelsey L.

    Enrollment

    Available

    Step 1: Register Your Student

    Step 2: Enroll Your Registered Student

    InstructorDr. Kirsten Stein
    Content LevelsGrades 6-7 • Middle School
    Grades 7-8 • Junior High
    Course Length16 Weeks
    Live Webinars Held OnWednesdays, 11:00 - 11:50 AM Pacific - Webinars often run long - 8/14/24 - 12/13/24

    Do you go on the Internet? If so, this is the class for you!

    On the Internet, we may encounter images, hear reports, notice advertisements, spot propaganda, and even receive spam. It can be tricky to recognize what’s legitimate and what’s not. It is important to know how to effectively sift through the information we encounter, so we can make informed decisions. We all need to become Internet Super Sleuths!

    In this class, we will hone our sleuthing skills while we explore a myriad of materials found on the Internet. We’ll learn how to determine site credibility, evaluate Internet sources, recognize bias, distinguish facts from falsehoods, and stay safe online. We’ll even have the opportunity to create a Super Sleuths-inspired, semester-long online project! Together, we’ll learn to successfully navigate the digital world and become Internet Super Sleuths along the way!

    “When you’re online, you’re bombarded with text, images, videos, and sounds. Information is coming at you at break-neck speed. It’s up to you to determine whether the information is credible — sometimes, in a split-second! This requires super sleuthing skills. Join us to learn how to become an Internet Super Sleuth!” ~ Dr. Kirsten 

    Note to parents:

    • In this course, we’ll work on improving our Internet literacy abilities. Internet literacy is “the ability to access, understand, critique, and create information and communication content online” (Livingstone, 2003, Internet literacy: Young people’s negotiation of new online opportunities).
    • Fake Information Fools Kids: 44% of children feel they can tell fake information from real information. 31% of kids shared information online that they later found out was wrong or inaccurate (Robb, 2017, www.commonsense.org/research). In this class, we’ll work together to make sure your child isn’t part of that statistic.
    • Although we will only focus on age-appropriate materials for this course, parents should supervise Internet searches.
    • We’ll help your child beat this statistic:                                                                          Video Testimonial:

           

    What to expect in the Required section in the classroom each week:

    • Respond to 1-2 forum prompts — writing at least one five-sentence paragraph for each.
    • Respond with positive and encouraging comments on their classmates’ posts in the classroom forums.
    • Work on a creative course-long, web-based project applying what they learn in class.

    What to expect in the Highly Suggested & Optional sections in the classroom each week:

    • Create online projects based on the content of the weekly lesson.
    • Curated resources, including websites & videos, are provided to excite learners and to add depth to the subject matter.

    What to expect during the weekly webinar:

    • Weekly webinars are 50 minutes long, although they often run longer. Webinars are recorded and are available for students with schedule conflicts.
    • Primary instruction and guided discussions are provided during live webinars.
    • Active Participation (via the microphone and chat) in online class discussions.

    Before taking this course, students should be able to: 

    • Read at a strong 5th grade level or above.
    • Write a paragraph independently.
    • Navigate the Internet with parental supervision (direct or indirect).

    Students should be willing to:

    • Actively participate (via the microphone) in the class discussion.
    • Encourage class discussion by adding their questions/ideas in the chat window during the webinar.
    • Respond with positive and encouraging comments on their classmates’ posts in the classroom forums.

    Required books & materials:

    • Weekly readings will be online, no textbook is required.
    • Students will need the ability to create a presentation that can be converted to a PDF (e.g. Google slides, PowerPoint, etc.).
    • Parental assistance with simple website creation (free).