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Grade 12

We Are Civil Communicators

How can we communicate with civility online?

When we talk about our personal beliefs and politics, passions can run high -- especially when we're online. These intense moments can often lead to tit-for-tat insults, or worse. But, if addressed calmly and coolly, they can be an opportunity to find common ground and deeper understanding. Teach students to keep disagreements civil so their ideas will be heard and so they can advocate for positive change.

See the U.K. version of this lesson plan

Learning Objectives:

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

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

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

Key Vocabulary: civil discourse   ·   trolling  
civil discourse:
conversation that involves respectful sharing and debate of ideas
trolling:
online behavior that is meant to offend or stir up drama between individuals or groups
This lesson meets standards for  Common Core ELA,  ISTE,  CASEL, and  AASL .  See standards
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15 mins.
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Lesson Plan

55 mins.

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Lesson last updated: September 2021
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