A new KS4 resource exploring the complex relationship modern teenagers have with the internet has been launched by the education charity Into Film in partnership with documentary-focused education resource provider Doc Academy. Inspired by the thought provoking documentary InRealLife, the resource is designed to promote frank and open discussion and debate about issues such as the role of commercial organisations behind the internet, the causes and consequences of cyberbullying, and internet addiction. It is aimed as a tool for use by teachers now to encourage young people to use the internet responsibly over the summer holidays, and in the new school to reinforce messages about online safety and support the curriculum in English, with cross curricular pointers to ICT, PSHCE and Media Studies.
A five unit lesson plan supplemented by teacher’s notes and clips from the film invites pupils to engage with the material and develop their reading, writing and spoken language skills through activities ranging from producing a Prezi presentation to holding a Question Time debate, writing a blog, creating a campaign advert and making a video diary. Included are links to other useful resources and short films made by young people around the subject of internet safety.
The full resource and film clips are available to download at https://docacademy.org/films/19/real-life/; copies of InRealLife are free to order for all films with an Into Film Club and a PDF of the lesson plan can be downloaded at http://www.intofilm..org/inreallife-resource
