The number of children engaging with new technologies and spending time online is at an all-time high today, putting a lot of pressure on parents and teachers to help keep them safe. That’s why, Google launched its “Be Internet Awesome” curriculum two years ago for educators, focusing its efforts on teaching children about online safety.
Now, the company has decided to go one step further and add a new chapter to its educative online campaign: media literacy. The expansion will aim to help kids develop their ability to spot so-called “fake news” and other false content; teach them how to avoid a phishing attack, what bots are, how to verify that information is credible, how to identify fake webpage, and more.
The online program’s courses offer not only instruction but also a combination of interactive activities and discussion starters aimed at helping them develop critical thinking skills when it comes to pursuing online resources. Google says the new curriculum is available online for both teachers and families alike to use, and are offered in English, Spanish and eight other languages.
