How well has digital democracy worked in other countries?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can assess how well digital democracy has worked in other countries and consider whether we should use it in the UK.
Key learning points
- Digital tools, like online petitions/consultations & social media can increase access to democratic processes in the UK.
- Other countries have gone further, using it for public decision-making and crowdsourced policymaking.
- Digital democracy in Taiwan & Estonia increases participation but faces challenges like digital access & security risks.
- There are both opportunities and challenges to adopting digital democracy more widely in the UK.
Keywords
Digital democracy - the use of digital tools and technology to increase participation in democratic processes, such as voting, debating, or sharing opinions online
Cybersecurity - online protection against hackers and online threats, keeping devices and personal information safe
Common misconception
If digital democracy works in other countries, the UK can easily copy the same methods.
Success in other countries depends on specific factors like strong digital infrastructure, cybersecurity systems and public trust in technology. For the UK to adopt similar methods, these factors must be carefully considered and adapted.
Teacher tip
Encourage balanced discussion by prompting pupils to consider both the benefits and risks of digital democracy.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each word with the correct definition.
someone who belongs to a country and has certain rights
a system where people choose their leaders by voting
taking part in activities like voting or signing petitions
websites and apps that enable users to create or share content online
Q2.Which option best describes digital citizenship?
Q3.What does digital democracy mean?
Q4.Which of these is a way that digital technologies are helping democracy?
Q5. are online or paper documents that people sign to ask for change.
Q6.What is the difference between misinformation and disinformation?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each word to the correct definition.
protecting computers and online systems from attacks
a tool used in Taiwan to gather public opinion on policies
a digital democracy platform in Taiwan used to discuss national issues
a system that lets people vote securely online
Q2.Which of these is an example of how the UK currently uses digital democracy?
Q3.Digital media can help increase political by making it easier for people to learn about and join political discussions.
Q4.Which of the following is statements is most accurate about the UK adopting digital democracy methods from other countries?
Q5.What is one advantage of using digital tools like Pol.is?
Q6.Which of the following best explains why the UK can’t simply copy Estonia or Taiwan’s digital democracy systems?
To help you plan your 9 citizenship lesson on: How well has digital democracy worked in other countries?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 citizenship lesson on: How well has digital democracy worked in other countries?, 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.