The online world frequently appears like a vast and open sea of information. While the information found online is often helpful, there are times where the information can misguide a user. Here are some water- themed books and activities to help improve navigation skills through digital waters.
There is a claim about a sea monster sighting in, The Nantucket Sea Monster: A Fake News Story by Darcy Pattison. As the information circulates throughout Nantucket Island, the story about the sea monster sighting begins to get a bit convoluted. This is a wonderful book to discuss the potential consequences of spreading misinformation. The book seems best suited for approximately ages 8 and up, based on the language level used throughout the story. Simultaneously, this book can be a good ice breaker for technology etiquette and ethics training. Here is a link if interested in obtaining the book, with an additional printable activity sheet: https://mimshousebooks.com/products/nantucket.
The next book does not really involve the sea, but still involves water. The Internet is Like a Puddle by Shona Innes showcases a strong and visual analogy of the internet being like a puddle. The story mentions how puddles can be deeper than they appear and to not hesitate to ask a trusted adult for help. The evoking analogy imparts a nice visual for young learners to grasp the nature of the internet. As a result, The Internet is Like a Puddle is an efficient option for a digital literacy lesson if there is limited amount of time available in a classroom. One can get the book through this link: https://www.hardiegrant.com/au/publishing/bookfinder/book/a-big-hug-book_-the-internet-is-like-a-puddle-by-shona-innes/9781760504878.
If there is a desire for a digital literacy lesson to be more interactive, Canada’s Centre for Digital Media Literacy has an informative game called Privacy Pirates on https://mediasmarts.ca/digital-media-literacy/educational-games . Students can answer questions related to digital literacy to obtain map pieces for pirate treasure. Privacy Pirates is listed as a game for ages from 7 to 9. Or if some students have had enough of the sea, they can look at another activity on the same site called Reality Check: The Game. Reality Check: The Game has a variety of online stories for students to determine if the presented information is true or false. This activity would be a complementary pairing to the book about the sea monster sighting. Reality Check: The Game appears to be better suited for ages 9 to 13 due to the presented content information. At the same time, the game could be modified as a group or class activity to collectively strengthen critical reading and analytical skills as well.
Most of these books and activities can provide an interesting water theme to keep young learners engaged when improving their digital literacy skills. Bon voyage to your adventures through digital waters!
Northwest Alliance for Media Literacy 