Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teach-impacts-technology-data
In today’s increasingly digital world, understanding how our data is collected, used, and protected is paramount. This is especially true for educators aiming to equip the next generation with essential digital literacy skills. Coursera’s “Teaching Impacts of Technology: Data Collection, Use, and Privacy” course offers a comprehensive and engaging approach to this critical topic, geared specifically towards K-12 educators.
This course excels in breaking down complex concepts into digestible, K-12 appropriate modules. It begins with a thorough “Course Orientation,” setting the stage for a problem-based learning journey. You’ll explore how technologies like networks, the internet, and data analysis shape our daily lives, all through relatable examples. The course cleverly uses a chapter from the children’s fiction book, “The Secret Code Menace,” to identify tangible computer science learning outcomes, making abstract concepts accessible.
The “Data Collection” module tackles the ubiquitous personalized advertising we encounter online. It demystifies how websites track our behavior, explaining the mechanics behind cookies and web servers, and highlighting the importance of HTTPS for secure connections. This section provides practical knowledge that educators can readily translate into classroom discussions.
“Data Privacy” delves into the crucial aspects of controlling and safeguarding personal information. The course introduces fundamental concepts like ciphers, hashing, cryptography, and encryption. A particularly fascinating segment distinguishes between the ‘deep’ and ‘dark’ web, offering clarity on these often-confused terms.
The “Data Use” module shifts focus to the powerful realm of big data and its connection to machine learning. Through an engaging activity, the course makes understanding these advanced concepts fun and intuitive, empowering educators to explain them to younger audiences.
Finally, “Impacts of Computing and Pedagogy” brings it all together. It encourages educators to explore specific “impacts of computing” related to the technologies discussed. Crucially, it introduces effective pedagogical strategies, including formative classroom assessment techniques (FACTs) and the power of retrieval practice over mere re-studying. The application of Bloom’s Taxonomy for defining learning objectives is also covered, equipping teachers with the tools to design impactful lessons. The return to “The Secret Code Menace” chapter reinforces the practical application of these pedagogical insights.
Overall, “Teaching Impacts of Technology: Data Collection, Use, and Privacy” is an invaluable resource for any educator looking to foster critical thinking about technology and data. Its clear explanations, practical examples, and focus on pedagogy make it a highly recommended course for building digital citizenship in students.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teach-impacts-technology-data