Emerging Technology and Applications

Get ready to explore the exciting world of digital tools that are transforming the way we communicate and collaborate. In the previous section, you learned the basics of desktop publishing, using tools like Microsoft Word and Excel to organise and present information. Now, it is time to build on those skills and dive into more dynamic tools for communication and collaboration.

In this section, you will analyse how social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube have changed the way we connect with others. You will also learn how to use synchronous tools like Zoom and Google Meet for real-time communication and asynchronous tools like email and instant messaging for flexible, time-shifted interactions. Whether it is for school, work or personal use, this section will equip you with the skills to use these tools effectively and professionally. Get ready to take your communication skills to the next level.

KEY IDEAS

• Affordances of Digital Tools: What digital tools enable users to do (e.g., quick access to information, real-time communication, creative expression, automation of tasks).

• Impact of digital tools: For example, on education, business, entertainment, health, etc.

• Positive and Negative Effects: Benefits (efficiency, access, connectivity) and challenges (overdependence, distraction, digital divide).

• Risks and Challenges of social media: Misinformation, cyberbullying, privacy issues and addiction.

• Understanding Digital Tools: Definition and examples (e.g., smartphones, computers, software, apps, digital cameras, etc.).

• Social media and its uses: Definition, examples (Facebook, Instagram, etc), uses (Sharing information, connecting with others, promoting ideas or businesses, and learning.

• What is social media: Definition and examples (Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.).

Activity 2.1 Exploring the Everyday Impact of Digital Devices This activity will help you revisit and reinforce your knowledge on the purpose and uses of digital devices.

1. To recall the purpose and uses of the following devices listed below, form a group of 3 or 4. First write your answers into

a. Smartphones,

b. Digital Cameras,

c. Wearable Devices,

d. Game Devices,

e. E-Book Readers,

f. Portable/Digital Media Players,

Note: Record your responses

2. Compare and discuss your answers with a colleague about how these devices are used in communication, entertainment, education and personal development.

3. Still in your groups, you will receive cards from your teacher. The first set of cards with the names of the devices (e.g., Smartphone) and a second set with case scenarios (e.g., “Watching movies on the go,”)

a. Match the devices to their case scenarios. For example, a Smartphone might be matched to “Communication through calls and messages”.

b. Discuss the affordances of each device: what makes each device suitable for its use case.

4. Each group will then choose one device (from the list in point 1 above) and create a short (3-5 minutes) multimedia presentation.

Hint: Alternatively, where there are no computers, use flip chart papers and markers, poster paper displays and cardboard models.

5. Reflect on the presentations and have a discussion on the following:

Reflection Questions Learner Responses

Which device do you find most useful in your daily life and why?

How has technology, specifically these devices, improved communication or learning for you?

Digital tools are tools, software or applications that help us communicate, create, learn and work more efficiently. These tools include mobile apps, software programs and online platforms. Some digital tools require an internet connection, while others can be used offline.

Figure 2.1: Exploring Digital Tools

Common Examples of Digital Tools

₁. Google Classroom: Used in many schools for assignments and virtual learning.

2. Zoom/Google Meet: Commonly used for virtual meetings and online classes.

3. WhatsApp: A widely used instant messaging app in Ghana (and in many other countries) for both personal and academic communication.

4. Microsoft Word & Google Docs: Used for document creation and collaboration.

Digital tools have transformed how we study, work, communicate and entertain ourselves. These tools help us connect with others and access information easily.

Figure 2.2: Digital Tools

Affordances of Digital Tools

The term affordance refers to the possibilities or functions a tool offers based on its design and features. Digital tools provide many affordances that help us achieve specific goals.

Examples of Affordances

a. Communication Tools (like WhatsApp and Zoom) afford instant communication, enabling people to connect globally and exchange ideas in real time. These tools help you stay connected with classmates and teachers, especially in remote learning situations in Ghana.

Figure 2.3: Examples of Affordances

b. Creative Tools (like Canva and Adobe Photoshop) afford the ability to design and create visual content such as flyers, posters or social media posts. These tools help learners express their creativity for school projects or personal branding.

Figure 2.4: Examples of Affordances

c. Productivity Tools (like Google Docs and Microsoft Word) afford collaboration by allowing multiple users to work on the same document at the same time. For

example, learners working on group assignments can use Google Docs to edit documents together from different locations.

Figure 2.5: Examples of Affordances

These affordances help you work more efficiently, create in new ways and collaborate with others. They give us the power to do tasks that were once difficult or time- consuming.

Impact on Communication and Social Interaction

Digital tools have greatly changed how we communicate and interact with others.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Twitter(X) allow people to connect with each other across distances, share ideas and stay updated on what is happening in the world.

Positive Impacts on Communication

a. Instant communication: With tools like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, you can instantly send messages, voice notes or make video calls to anyone, anywhere in the world.

b. Global reach: Social media platforms make it easy to share information with a global audience. For example, a learner in Ghana can share an academic achievement or an important message about school events with peers across the country.

c. New forms of interaction: Platforms like Instagram stories or Snapchat let users share quick updates and interact through images, videos and live feeds, helping people stay connected in creative ways.

Figure 2.6: Digital Tools for Global Connections

Impact on Creativity and Expression

Digital tools have opened up new opportunities for creativity and self-expression. Tools like Canva, Adobe Photoshop and TikTok allow learners to express their creativity through designs, videos and art.

Impact On Creativity

a. Personalised Content: You can use Instagram or TikTok to showcase your creative projects or hobbies, reaching a large audience and possibly building your personal brand.

b. Digital Art: With tools like Canva or Adobe Photoshop, artists can create stunning artwork digitally, which can be shared with others or used for professional purposes.

c. Collaboration: learners from different parts of Ghana or the world can collaborate on projects using Google Docs, Canva or even TikTok, creating content together, such as a group project or video.

Impact on Entertainment and Media

Digital tools have transformed how we consume entertainment and media. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Spotify and YouTube provide on-demand access to movies, music, TV shows and podcasts. Examples:

a. Access to a wide range of content: With platforms like YouTube or Spotify, you can watch movies, listen to music and access a vast library of entertainment whenever you want.

b. Streaming platforms: Services like Spotify and YouTube have made it easier for people in Ghana to discover new music, watch videos and enjoy entertainment content.

c. User-generated content: YouTube and TikTok allow users to create their own videos, music and creative content, making it easy for anyone to become a content creator.

Table 2.1: Impact, Challenges and Solutions of Digital Tools Impact Challenges Solution Improved communication and global connectivity.

Privacy and security concerns due to data collection and cyberattacks.

Use strong passwords, adjust privacy settings and be cautious when sharing personal information.

Increased access to information, learning and collaboration.

Cyberbullying and

online harassment due to anonymity.

Report harmful behaviour, block abusive users and practice digital empathy.

Enhanced creativity through digital tools for art, music and writing.

Misinformation and fake news spreading rapidly on social media.

Always fact-check information from reliable sources and avoid spreading unverified news.

Entertainment and media consumption has become more accessible.

Overuse and addiction to digital tools, leading to mental health issues.

Set time limits for screen use, engage in regular digital detoxes and prioritise offline activities.

Digital tools allow real- time communication for collaboration and learning.

Information overload due to excessive notifications and constant updates.

Turn off unnecessary notifications, prioritise tasks and manage digital consumption.

Social media allows for advocacy and community- building opportunities.

Digital divide: lack of access to technology for some communities.

Promote digital inclusion by providing access to technology and training in underserved areas.

Access to educational tools, career development and professional networking.

Ethical issues like copyright violations and data misuse.

Follow legal guidelines for digital content sharing, respect copyrights and be aware of privacy laws.

Activity 2.2 Digital Tools in My Daily Life

In this activity, you will explore and understand the use of digital tools in the domains of communication, creativity and entertainment and how they impact people’s daily lives.

1. Partner with a friend and discuss digital tools, like WhatsApp, Google Docs and any other that comes to mind.

2. With your partner, select one domain: communication, creativity or entertainment and then identify 2 to 3 digital tools used in that domain.

3. Discuss your affordances (the functions or features of the tool) and the impact these tools have on your interactions, creations or media consumption. Fill out the table below as you reflect on the discussions you have had.

Digital Tool What Can the Tool Do? Impact on Communication, Creativity, or Entertainment WhatsApp YouTube Spotify TikTok Zoom Google Docs

In this section, you will explore popular social media platforms that people use every day. Each platform has its own unique features, target audience and primary use cases.

Here is a quick overview.

Figure 2.7: Social Media Platforms

Table 2.2: Key Features of Social Media Platforms

S/N Platform Key Features Target Audience Primary Use Case 1 Facebook Posts, stories, groups, events, Messenger General public, older teens and adults Social networking, group interaction 2 Twitter (X) Tweets, retweets, threads, hashtags Professionals, journalists, youth Microblogging, trending news, debates 3 Instagram Photo/video posts, reels, stories Teenagers, content creators Visual storytelling, branding 4 LinkedIn Profiles, endorsements, job listings Professionals, graduates Career networking, recruitment 5 YouTube Videos, playlists, comments All demographics Video content sharing, education, and entertainment 6 Snapchat Disappearing messages, filters, streaks Teens and young adults Quick, fun messaging 7 TikTok Short videos, effects, duets Teens and young adults Entertainment, trends, music videos Communication and Networking on Social Media Social media is not just about sharing content; it also allows real-time communication and global networking. These features enable interactions between people from different backgrounds and locations.

Figure 2.8: Social Media Interaction Features

How Social Media Connects People

Figure 2.9: Social Media Connections

Information Sharing and Dissemination

Social media has revolutionised the way we share and receive information. People use social media platforms to distribute content, making it accessible to a wide audience instantly.

Table 2.3: Types of Information Shared

TYPE OF

INFORMATION DESCRIPTION PLATFORMS PURPOSE/USE

News Updates Platforms like Twitter (X) are widely used to share breaking news. It allows users to quickly disseminate information about ongoing events.

Twitter (X) Real-time news dissemination and updates on ongoing events.

Educational Content

YouTube and Facebook

provide educational videos, tutorials and discussions, making learning more accessible.

YouTube, Facebook

Sharing knowledge, tutorials and educational materials.

Announcements and Campaigns

Platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn allow businesses, organisations and individuals to announce events, job openings or social causes.

Facebook, LinkedIn

Announcing events, job opportunities and promoting social causes.

Real-Time Events and Live

Coverage Social media provides real- time updates during events like sports, concerts or political debates, keeping people informed as events unfold.

Facebook, Twitter (X),

Instagram Real-time event coverage and updates during live events.

Benefits of Information Sharing

1. Fast and Broad Reach: Social media allows information to spread rapidly across the globe, reaching millions in seconds.

2. Interactive and Engaging Content: Social media encourages engagement through likes, comments, shares and reactions. This creates a dynamic space for people to share their thoughts.

3. User-Generated Content: Social media empowers users to create and share content. This gives everyone a voice and the ability to contribute diverse perspectives.

Activity 2.3 Match the Platform to the Purpose

This activity will help you understand how to choose the most appropriate social media platform based on different use cases.

1. Organise yourself into a group of 3 to 4 members, discuss what “use cases” are (Real-world purposes for using social media platforms)

2. Describe some common platforms like Facebook, Instagram, etc.

3. With your handouts containing Use-cases: “Finding a job”, “Watching tutorials”, etc., discuss each use-case and decide which platform is most suitable for that particular purpose.

4. Each group works together to match the use cases with the most appropriate social media platform and record your responses.

5. Present your matched use cases to the class and explain why you selected that platform for the use case.

6. Reflect on what you learned about matching social media platforms to specific use cases? Why is it important to use the right platform for the right purpose?

S/N USE-CASE POSSIBLE PLATFORM JUSTIFICATION

1 Finding a job 2 Watching Tutorials 3 Posting daily photos

Social media platforms are designed to connect people. They help us engage with others who share similar interests, experiences and goals. Community building on social media refers to creating and fostering groups or networks that support and interact with one another.

Key Aspects of Community Building

ₐ. Interest-Based Groups: Social media allows users to join or create groups based on shared interests. Platforms like Facebook offer groups for almost every hobby, profession or cause. Whether it is a group for photography enthusiasts, fitness groups or advocacy movements, these communities provide a space for people to connect, share ideas and learn from one another.

b. Active Engagement: Engagement on social media is not limited to passive consumption of content. It encourages active participation such as commenting, liking, sharing or creating content. For example, on Instagram and TikTok, users share personal experiences or thoughts that often spark conversations and help build a sense of belonging.

c. Supportive Communities: Online communities provide emotional and practical support. Mental health forums, parenting groups and self-improvement communities can offer advice, emotional support and a space to share personal challenges and victories.

Supportive Communities

Emotional and

practical support networks Active Engagement Participation and content creation Interest-Based Groups

Figure 2.10: Social Media Community Building

Benefits of Community Building

₁. Shared Knowledge and Resources: Group members can share educational content, personal experiences and resources.

2. Social Support: Online communities create a space where people feel understood and supported, regardless of location.

3. Global Connectivity: You can connect with people from all around the world, breaking down geographical and cultural barriers.

Crowdsourcing and Collaboration

Social media platforms allow people to contribute and collaborate in previously difficult ways. This is where crowdsourcing comes into play. Crowdsourcing involves gathering input, ideas or resources from a large group of people, typically from a community of social media users.

How Crowdsourcing Works On Social Media

1. Idea Generation: Social media is a powerful tool for collecting ideas and feedback from a large group. Platforms like Twitter (X) and Facebook enable users to ask questions or gather suggestions from their networks. For example, a company could post a survey asking customers for feedback about a new product.

2. Problem-Solving: Crowdsourcing can help in solving complex problems. On Reddit, for example, users often collaborate to solve technical issues, answer questions or share their expertise. Crowdsourced efforts also play a huge role in initiatives like disaster relief or global health campaigns, where people come together to raise awareness and gather resources.

3. Creative Collaboration: Platforms like YouTube or Instagram allow creators to work together, share content and support one another. Creators often collaborate on projects, videos or events, leveraging each other’s audiences and expertise.

Figure 2.11: Crowdsourcing’s Impact on Social Media

Benefits Of Crowdsourcing And Collaboration

1. Efficiency: By tapping into a large community, problems can be solved faster, ideas can be generated quickly, and resources can be pooled more effectively.

2. Access to Diverse Perspectives: Crowdsourcing allows for input from people with various experiences, leading to innovative solutions and ideas.

3. Increased Visibility: Collaboration boosts visibility, as shared projects or content reach a larger audience.

Professional Networking and Career Development

One of the most significant roles of social media today is in professional networking and career development. Platforms like LinkedIn have transformed the way we connect with potential employers, clients and professional peers. They offer opportunities to share expertise, build professional relationships and advance careers.

Using Social Media For Professional Networking

1. LinkedIn: LinkedIn is the leading social platform for professional networking.

It allows users to create a professional profile, connect with colleagues, find job opportunities and join groups related to their industry. By sharing content and engaging with others’ posts, you can showcase your expertise and become recognised in your field.

2. Personal Branding: Social media platforms such as Twitter (X), Instagram and LinkedIn allow individuals to build and promote their personal brands. By consistently sharing your skills, achievements and professional insights, you can establish yourself as an expert in your field.

3. Job Opportunities and Freelancing: Many job openings are now shared on social media platforms. For instance, companies often post job vacancies on LinkedIn or Twitter. Freelancers can also use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr and Behance to showcase their work and attract clients.

Figure 2.12: Social Media Networking Strategies

Benefits of Using Social Media for Career Development

1. Building Connections: Social media provides the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, potential clients and job seekers.

2. Exposure: Active participation in professional social media networks increases your exposure and visibility in your field, helping you to stand out.

3. Job Opportunities: Many employers and recruiters use social media to find talent, making it easier for you to find job opportunities.

Tips for Using Social Media for Professional Growth

1. Be Active: Regularly engage with posts, share insights and join discussions in your industry to increase your visibility.

2. Curate Your Content: Share content that reflects your expertise, interests and career goals to attract the right audience.

3. Maintain Professionalism: Ensure that your social media profiles reflect a professional image, especially on platforms like LinkedIn.

Figure 2.13: Choosing the Right Social Media Platform

Activity 2.4 Social Media in Action

In this activity, you will apply your knowledge of social media tools by creating either a social media campaign or a LinkedIn profile, demonstrating creativity and professionalism.

Steps

1. Organise yourself into a group of 3 or 4 people - based on your interest, choose any one of the concepts: Social Media Campaign or LinkedIn Profile Creation

2. Create a concept for a group or hashtag campaign aimed at promoting a cause, such as #KeepOurSchoolsClean or #SaveOurPlanet, etc., draft a LinkedIn profile for a fictional learner, including the headline, bio and three professional skills.

a. For the Social Media Campaign

i. Brainstorm and decide on the cause or topic for their campaign (e.g., school cleanliness, mental health awareness or environmental conservation).

ii. Come up with a catchy hashtag that aligns with the campaign’s goal (e.g., #CleanSchoolsNow).

iii. Choose a platform for the campaign (e.g., Twitter (X) for quick updates, Instagram for visual content, or Facebook for community groups).

iv. Decide on the type of content you will share to raise awareness (e.g., posters, photos, videos or infographics).

v. Create a visual aid (image or video) to support their campaign.

b. For the LinkedIn Profile:

i. Write a professional headline that summarises the fictional learner’s interests or career aspirations (e.g., “Aspiring Software Developer”).

ii. Write a short bio that outlines the learners’ academic background, interests, and career goals.

iii. Select three skills that are relevant to the learner’s career goals (e.g., Communication, Teamwork, Public Speaking).

iv. Multimedia Use: Add a professional image or any visuals related to the learner’s field of interest (e.g., a profile picture, certificates or project images).

3. Refine your task by creating engaging visuals or videos for social media, developing professional headlines and bios on LinkedIn.

4. Presents your social media campaign or LinkedIn profile as a group

5. Provide constructive feedback and learn from each other’s work.

6. Reflect on how social media platforms can be used for positive change or professional development.

What is Social Media?

Social media refers to platforms that allow people to create, share or exchange content in virtual communities and networks. Examples include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Types of Social Media

₁. Communication Tools: Facebook, Twitter (X) (for messaging, chatting and quick updates).

2. Collaboration Tools: LinkedIn (professional networking), YouTube (video collaboration).

3. Content Sharing Platforms: Instagram (images), Twitter (X) (text-based posts), YouTube (videos).

The Role of Social Media

Social media allows people to stay connected, share ideas, collaborate and form communities.

Benefits

1. Communication: Enables fast, real-time communication across the globe.

2. Collaboration: Tools like LinkedIn, Facebook Groups and YouTube promote collaboration on various projects.

3. Expression: Allows individuals to express their thoughts, opinions and creativity to a wide audience.

Challenges

1. Cyberbullying: The anonymity of the internet can sometimes lead to harmful behaviour.

2. Privacy Concerns: Personal information shared online is at risk of being misused.

Figure 2.14: Exploring the Social Media Landscape

Table 2.4: Impact of Social Media

Impact Type Impact Area Description

Positive Educational

Benefits YouTube and LinkedIn offer platforms for educational content, professional networking and skill development.

Positive Global

Communication Social media connects people worldwide, fostering intercultural communication and understanding.

Positive Social

Movements Platforms like Twitter (X) have been used to promote social causes (e.g. Black Lives Matter, environmental movements).

Negative Mental Health Constant use of social media can negatively affect mental health due to comparison, validation-seeking and cyberbullying.

Negative Privacy Risks Personal data shared on social media platforms can be exploited by third-party advertisers or hackers.

Negative Misinformation Social media can be a breeding ground for false news and rumours that spread quickly.

Creating Content Responsibly on Social Media

Responsible Content

This refers to online material that is created and shared with ethical consideration, accuracy and respect for others. It is a content that:

1. Is factual and reliable: Ensures the information shared is true and supported by credible sources.

2. Respects privacy: Avoids sharing personal, sensitive, or private information without consent.

3. Is respectful: Avoids offensive language, hate speech and harmful behaviour.

4. Does not promote harmful activities: Content should not encourage violence, discrimination or illegal activities.

5. Credits creators: Always acknowledges the original source of shared content.

Social Media Etiquette

This refers to the guidelines and best practices for interacting respectfully and responsibly on social media platforms. It involves:

1. Respecting others: Engage with kindness, avoid offensive language and be mindful of differing opinions.

2. Thinking before posting: Consider the potential impact of your posts on others and avoid impulsive or harmful content.

3. Being authentic: Share genuine content and avoid misrepresentation of yourself or others.

4. Engaging positively: Respond thoughtfully to comments, share relevant content and contribute constructively to discussions.

5. Respecting privacy: Avoid sharing personal information without consent and respect others’ boundaries.

Protecting Yourself On Social Media

Understanding privacy settings is very critical. Privacy settings are crucial tools on social media platforms to control who can view your posts, personal information and interactions. By adjusting these settings, you can make sure that only trusted individuals can access your private content. Here is how to adjust your privacy settings on various platforms

Table 2.5: Social Media Privacy Settings

PLATFORM SETTING TYPE STEPS/DETAILS

Facebook/ Instagram

Profile Privacy Go to profile settings > Privacy > Select who can see your posts.

Choose ‘Friends’ or ‘Only Me’.

Facebook/ Instagram

Contact Privacy Restrict messages and friend requests to friends only or prevent strangers from finding you.

LinkedIn Profile Privacy Go to Settings & Privacy > Privacy > Profile Viewing Options.

Choose to keep profile anonymous or visible.

LinkedIn Activity Privacy Control visibility of connections, posts and activity feed.

Adjust under ‘Who can see your connections’ and ‘Who can see your activity feed’.

LinkedIn Post Privacy Limit post visibility to your network, specific people or the public.

Twitter (X) Tweet Privacy Go to Settings & Privacy > Privacy and Safety > Toggle on ‘Protect your Tweets’ to make tweets visible to followers only.

Twitter (X) Tweet Privacy Even with protected tweets, be aware that screenshots or reposting can expose your information.

What Is A Digital Footprint?

It is the record of your online activity, including:

a. The content you share on social media (posts, images, videos).

b. Comments, likes and shares on other people’s content.

c. Search history, accounts you create and online shopping habits.

d. Data gathered by websites through cookies and analytics tools.

Tips For Managing Your Digital Footprint

a. Regularly Search for Your Name Online: It is essential to regularly check what information is available about you online. This can help you spot any outdated, inaccurate or inappropriate content. You can use search engines like Google to find links to your social media profiles or mentions of your name.

b. Be Cautious About Sharing Too Much Personal Information: Avoid posting sensitive details like your home address, phone number or personal identification numbers on public platforms. Even seemingly harmless details can be pieced together by malicious individuals to invade your privacy.

c. Use Assumed name for Sensitive Online Interactions: When engaging in discussions on public platforms or online forums, consider using a pseudonym or nickname, especially if the conversation could expose you to harassment, spam or phishing attempts. This is particularly important in situations where your real identity could be at risk.

Ethical Considerations of Sharing Content

When sharing content online, it is essential to be aware of ethical considerations, including respecting copyright and being mindful of the content you share.

Copyright And Fair Use

a. Understanding Copyright: Copyright laws protect original works of authorship, including images, videos, music and written content. When using content created by others, you must ensure you have the right to use it or follow the rules of Fair Use. Fair Use allows limited use of copyrighted materials for commentary, criticism, research and educational purposes. However, this is a legal grey area, and you should not make a mistake, asking for permission whenever possible.

b. Give Credit to Creators: Whenever you share or repost content created by someone else (images, videos, music, articles), always give them credit. This can be as simple as tagging the creator or including a caption such as “credit: @ username” or “photo by [creator name].”

c. Ask for Permission If you want to use copyrighted content (such as music in a video or an image in your post), always ask the creator for permission. Many creators are happy to share their work if credited properly.

Figure 2.15: Navigating Copyright Responsibly

Respecting Other People’s Content

a. Do not Steal or Misuse Content: Just because something is available on the internet does not mean it is free to use. Plagiarism (copying someone’s work without giving credit) is not only unethical but may also result in legal consequences.

For example, copying an article or blog post without permission and claiming it as your own is considered stealing.

b. Make Sure You Have the Right to Share Anything Before Posting: Before reposting or sharing someone else’s content, make sure you have permission or that it is public domain or licensed for reuse. Some social media platforms offer Creative Commons licenses for images or videos that allow others to use them as long as they follow the license terms.

c. Always Respect the Creator’s Intentions: If someone posts a photo or video online, consider whether sharing it is in line with their original intent. For instance, sharing someone’s private photo without permission, even with good intentions, could cause harm or discomfort to the creator.

Avoid Plagiarism

Ensures ethical and legal compliance by respecting original work Respect Creator’s Intent Prevents harm or discomfort by aligning with the creator’s original prupose Obtain Permission Guarantees legal and ethical use of content by respecting creator rights

Figure 2.16: How to Ethically Use Online Content

Activity 2.5 Social Media Awareness Skit/Poster Creation

This activity will help you to create a 2-minute skit or poster showcasing a positive or negative example related to one of the four topics (E.g., Content Creation, Digital Literacy, etc).

1. Organise yourself into a group of 3 to 4 people, and choose one of the following topics

a. Content Creation

b. Digital Literacy

c. Privacy/Security and

d. Ethics.

2. Create a 2-minute skit or poster that demonstrates a positive or negative

example related to their assigned topic. If it is a skit: Use role-play to show an example of either responsible or irresponsible behaviour on social media.

If it is a poster: Visually represent the key message related to their topic (e.g., infographics, pictures and slogans).

Examples

a. Content Creation: Show the difference between responsible content creation and misleading content.

b. Digital Literacy: Demonstrate how to critically evaluate online information.

c. Privacy/Security: Show the importance of protecting personal information online vs. oversharing.

d. Ethics: Show ethical behaviour on social media vs. engaging in cyberbullying.

3. Still in your groups, discuss the key message of the skit or poster, such as:

What was the main point the skit/poster was trying to convey? How did the scenario demonstrate positive or negative social media behaviour?

4. Collaborate to plan, create and rehearse your skit or design your poster.

5. Act out scenarios that demonstrate responsible or irresponsible online behaviour.

6. Perform your skits, followed by a brief explanation of the message you are conveying.

7. Present your posters and explain the message behind your visuals.

8. Reflect on what you learned from the skit/poster? How can you apply the lesson to your own social media use?