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We Are Civil Communicators

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP | GRADE 12

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Essential Question

How can we communicate with civility online?

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Learning Objectives

Define civil discourse and identify why it can be challenging on the internet.

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Analyze resources to identify the causes and effects of uncivil online discourse.

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Learn strategies for civil discourse and apply them to a scenario involving uncivil discourse.

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WATCH + DISCUSS

Reflect:

• What are some of the big takeaways from Cameron Kasky's story?
• What does Kasky say about debating with people who disagree with you? Do you agree?

To watch this video on the Common Sense Education site, click here.

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Civil discourse

KEY VOCABULARY

Conversation that involves respectful sharing and debate of ideas

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ACTIVITY: DISCONNECTED DISCOURSE

In your group, review the two resources. As you �review them, track what each says about the causes and effects of uncivil online discourse. Capture your thoughts in the notes section. Review additional resources as time allows.

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Directions: Part 1

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ACTIVITY: CLASS DISCUSSION

What are some of the causes of uncivil online discourse? What effects does it have?�

Directions:

1. Close your computer halfway.
2. Track the speaker and practice active listening.
3. If you need to refer to your notes, check your screen quickly and then close it halfway again.

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WATCH + DISCUSS

Analyze:

• What strategies can people use to have civil discourse?

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ACTIVITY: CIVIL DISCOURSE STRATEGY

Calm. Take a deep breath and relax before engaging.

Open-minded. Consider ideas that are different from yours.

Only focused on the ideas. Separate your judgments about who people are from what they're saying.

Listening actively. Aim to understand the person's ideas, experiences, and emotions.

Before you debate, remember to be COOL:

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ACTIVITY: ZACK AND OLIVIA

In your group, read the social media exchange between two high school students, Zack and Olivia. Then, answer the questions that follow.

Directions: Part 2

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commonsense.org/education

Shareable with attribution for noncommercial use. Remixing is permitted.