New
New
What is digital media and how is it different?
I can explain the key differences between digital and traditional media.
Lesson 1 of 6
New
New
- Year 10
What is digital media and how is it different?
I can explain the key differences between digital and traditional media.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- That digital media is a new media type which is interactive, quick and uses technology.
- Digital media is self-regulated, with each platform setting its own guidelines. Checking takes place after publication.
- Whereas traditional media is centrally regulated and rigorous checks happen before publication.
Keywords
Digital - technology that uses electronic systems or devices to process, store, or transmit data
Media - television, radio, digital and printed media which can reach a large number of people
Regulated - controlled or governed by rules, laws, or standards
Common misconception
That all media types are regulated in the same way.
Although traditional media has consistent, central regulation, digital media sets its own guidelines and these can vary between platforms. Although anyone can be charged with defamation laws, regardless of media type.
Look at different social media platforms or streaming services community guidelines, picking out key similarities and differences. Students could even amend these or create their own versions.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is democracy?
What is democracy?
being unable to vote in free and fair elections or take part in your government
absolute authority of government with no citizen input
absolute authority of the monarch with no citizen input
Q2.What is the media?
What is the media?
stories contained within fiction books
information which is government controlled
verbal information we are told by our friends and family
Q3.Name a popular example of traditional print media (media that is printed for people to read).
Name a popular example of traditional print media (media that is printed for people to read).
Q4.How can people access digital media?
How can people access digital media?
through the radio
through a printed newspaper
through a printed magazine
Q5.How many days a week is it possible to access digital media?
How many days a week is it possible to access digital media?
Q6.Digital media used to share videos is known as what?
Digital media used to share videos is known as what?
traditional media
print media
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Finish the sentence: If something or someone is controlled or governed by rules, laws, or standards they are ...
Finish the sentence: If something or someone is controlled or governed by rules, laws, or standards they are ...
Q2.Technology that uses electronic systems or devices to process, store, or transmit data is known as what?
Technology that uses electronic systems or devices to process, store, or transmit data is known as what?
datal
distal
dignity
Q3.What is the function within social media that allows politicians to engage and interact with their followers in real time?
What is the function within social media that allows politicians to engage and interact with their followers in real time?
Q4.What type of regulation does digital media follow?
What type of regulation does digital media follow?
central regulation, rules are set by central regulators
zero regulation, there are no checks and balances
monarch regulation, the King sets the guideleines
Q5.Social media, blogs and streaming media are all examples of what type of media?
Social media, blogs and streaming media are all examples of what type of media?
Q6.When does most of the checking take place with digital media?
When does most of the checking take place with digital media?
during the planning stages
just before it is published
there are no checks that take place
