Can political engagement be increased using digital media?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain whether digital media could help to increase engagement with politics.
Key learning points
- Political engagement has shifted from traditional media to digital platforms, especially for young people.
- Digital media offers new ways to engage in politics, such as social media campaigns and online petitions.
- Digital media can increase political engagement by removing barriers and enabling youth-led activism.
- Online risks like misinformation, echo chambers, and the digital divide can limit or distort engagement.
Keywords
Digital media - any form of media that uses electronic devices or technology to create, store, and share content
Petitions - gathering signatures to show support for a cause, which can be done on paper or online
Misinformation - false or misleading information shared by mistake, without intent to deceive
Disinformation - false information that is knowingly spread to deceive and mislead others
Common misconception
Social media is just for fun and entertainment.
Social media is also used for serious things like political campaigns, protests, and sharing important issues.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to share examples of political content they've seen in the media.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word to its correct meaning.
choosing leaders or making decisions by casting a ballot
a system where people have the power to make decisions via elections
taking part in activities or decisions in your community or country
Q2.We can be active digital by taking responsibility, getting involved in public matters, and working to make a positive difference in our communities using digital media.
Q3.Digital tools like online registration and reminders can help increase in elections.
Q4.Which of the following are risks of using digital tools in democratic processes?
Q5.Young people are often encouraged to vote through campaigns.
Q6.Which of these is an example of using technology to support democracy?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word to its correct meaning.
a way to ask for change by collecting signatures from the public
online platforms and tools used to create and share content
information that is false but shared without realising it’s wrong
false information shared on purpose, to mislead people
Q2.Which of these is a way digital media can help people get involved in politics?
Q3.One risk of relying on digital media for political news is ending up in an chamber, where you only see views you already agree with.
Q4.Why is it important to be educated about digital media when using it to learn about politics?
Q5.Which statement best challenges the idea that “social media is just for entertainment”?
Q6.Even though traditional political engagement may be declining, digital media has created opportunities for involvement, especially for young people.
To help you plan your 9 citizenship lesson on: Can political engagement be increased using digital media?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 citizenship lesson on: Can political engagement be increased using digital media?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 citizenship lessons from the Can digital democracy increase political participation? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.