Digital memory
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can evaluate whether it's possible or desirable to leave a digital memory behind when we die.
Key learning points
- Before digital media, people would announce the death of a loved one through word of mouth or printed media.
- With advances in science and technology, more of our experiences are being documented and recorded.
- With AI, robotics and emerging technologies, it may be possible to try and capture the essence of a person.
- Whether or not this would actually create a virtual replica of you depends on what you believe makes us human.
- People who believe in a soul would be less likely to think we can be virtually recreated after death.
Keywords
AI chatbot - a computer program that uses artificial intelligence to understand and respond in ways that sound like a human
Digital memory - refers to online traces left behind after a person dies e.g. social media profile
Social media - websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking
Common misconception
Digital memory refers to how computers store information.
Digital memory can also refer to digital tools to record and recall a person's life, including traces left behind after a person dies.
Teacher tip
Hold a debate with the class or between groups of students to showcase the ethical arguments for and against the use of AI chatbots that replicate human beings.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Religious and non-religious shape beliefs about the dead.
Q2.Which aspect of Marie Curie’s life best represents her legacy?
Q3.People often keep objects to the memory of the dead.
Q4.Legacy can be developed by individuals in the ...
Q5.How is Sir Chris Hoy building a legacy?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each keyword to its correct meaning:
Q2.Before digital media, deaths were announced through word of ...
Q3.Why do people use social media to announce deaths?
Q4.Why might AI chatbots reduce fear?
Q5.Why do some people oppose AI chatbots of the dead?
Q6.Some Buddhists may worry that people will become too to AI chatbots.
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Digital memory, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Digital memory, 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 4 religious education lessons from the Memory: what happens to us and our memories when we die? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.