Ethics in Action

Lesson Overview

This lesson plan introduces Year 7 students to the concept of computer ethics using interactive and discussion-based activities. The plan aligns with the UK Key Stage 3 Computing Curriculum, specifically focusing on ethical and legal use of technology and understanding its societal impact. The activities cater to the age group of 11-12 years, ensuring engagement and deeper understanding through relatable scenarios. The teacher’s interactive and creative teaching style is reflected in the lesson design.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Define computer ethics and its significance in the digital world.
2. Identify ethical and unethical behaviours when using computers or the internet.
3. Explore the importance of respecting others online, maintaining privacy, and avoiding plagiarism.
4. Commit to practising responsible behaviour online.

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Materials Needed

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• Printed cards with ethical and unethical scenarios
• A3 paper and coloured pens/markers for group brainstorming
• Sticky notes for reflection activity
• Optional: access to tablets or computers for an extension group task

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Lesson Outline (45 minutes)

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

Warm-Up Conversation (5 minutes):

• Begin with a friendly, open question:
  “Imagine if computers had rules about good and bad behaviour—what would those rules be?”
• Write their responses/draw symbols on the interactive whiteboard as they share. Keep this list dynamic and creative.
• Gently introduce the term “Computer Ethics” and discuss its definition: “Computer ethics is about doing what’s right and fair when using computers and the internet.”

Prompting Visual (5 minutes):

• Show a cartoon image of a superhero computer holding a shield with the phrase "Is this fair?" in a thought bubble.
• Ask students:
  “Why might we need rules or values when we’re online?”
• Encourage them to think about their daily internet usage and interactions.

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2. Guided Learning (10 minutes)

Using relatable language, explain the three main ideas behind computer ethics. Write key phrases on the board:

1. Respect for Others
   • Actions such as avoiding cyberbullying or sharing private information responsibly.
   • Example: Discuss the importance of kindness in group chats or online games.
2. Respect for Ownership
   • Plagiarism and copyright: Highlight that copying someone’s work without permission is unfair to the creator.
   • Example: Compare it to taking credit for a friend’s art project in school.
3. Responsibility Online
   • Understand what is safe to share: Avoid sharing personal details or other’s private photos.
   • Example: Would you want a stranger knowing your home address?

Interactive Images:

Show 4-5 slides with scenarios (a mix of ethical and unethical digital behaviours):

1. A student posting kind words under a classmate’s photo (ethical).
2. A student taking answers from a website and submitting it as their own work (unethical).
3. Sharing your password with a friend (unethical).
4. Asking permission before posting group photos (ethical).

Ask the Class:

• “What’s the right thing to do here, and why?”
  Follow-up questions help develop their reasoning.

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3. Group Activity (20 minutes)

Scenario Sorting Game (15 minutes):

• Split students into three groups (4-5 per group). Provide each group with a stack of scenario cards (pre-prepared). Examples include:

  1. Copying homework answers from a friend’s email (Unethical).
  2. Reporting a bully in an online game (Ethical).
  3. Downloading movies from illegal websites (Unethical).
  4. Politely asking before tagging someone in a post (Ethical).

• Each group will organise these cards into “Ethical” and “Unethical” categories on A3 paper.

• Encourage them to discuss as a group: “Why does this belong in this category?”

• After sorting, invite one representative from each group to present one card aloud and explain their reasoning to the class.

Sticky Note Reflection (5 minutes):

• Hand out sticky notes. Each student completes two prompts:
  1. “One ethical behaviour I will practise online is…”
  2. “One question I still have about computer ethics is…”
• Stick their notes on a “Digital Citizens Wall” at the front of the class.

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4. Conclusion (5 minutes)

Reflection and Wrap-Up:

• Summarise the class’s learning: “Today, we learned how small digital actions—like asking permission before sharing, or deciding not to copy someone else’s work—add up to big impact online.”
• Show a final slide with a cartoon superhero captioned “Be a Digital Hero!” and ask:
  “What’s one ‘heroic’ thing you can do online this week?”
• End with each student verbally committing to a positive digital action.

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Extension Activity (Optional for Homework)

Ask students to create a Digital Citizen Poster for display in the classroom. They can choose one topic (e.g., cyberbullying, responsible sharing, copyright, etc.) and include tips for being a responsible online citizen.

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Assessment Criteria

1. Active participation in Scenario Sorting Game.
2. Reflective writing from sticky notes activity.
3. Verbal contributions during group discussions and wrap-up.

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Curriculum Links

UK Key Stage 3 Computing Curriculum:

• Self-discipline and Responsible Use: Understand the ethical, legal, and societal consequences of using social media and online platforms.
• Impact of Technology: Evaluate the effects of digital technology on behaviour, privacy, and relationships.
• Problem Solving and Reasoning: Develop the ability to assess the impact of technology and make choices based on ethical considerations.

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This engaging and well-structured lesson delivers foundational knowledge about computer ethics while fostering critical thinking and group collaboration. It ensures students carry these lessons into their online interactions responsibly.