Cybersecurity Lesson Plans

Cybersecurity for Literacy Learners

Digital literacy is a key skill for our times. Today most of us routinely use our computers and phones to do everything from sending messages to family members to managing our banking and finances online.

People with low-literacy levels are often left out of this digital revolution, however. Research shows they face challenges accessing the new technologies, lack confidence in using them safely, and are indeed more vulnerable to online scams.

These lesson plans are designed to enhance the digital literacy of students with low reading levels.

They introduce the basics of online security, or cybersecurity, and help students develop good online “hygiene”. They take students step by step through essentials such as establishing an email account, sending and receiving messages, and identifying fake or spam messages.

Cybersecurity Lesson Plans

Creating an Email Account

Developed by Melissa Pagan and Priscilla Yuen

This lesson plan for new computer users takes students through the process of creating an email account securely.

It includes step-by-step guidance on creating a secret username and secure password, signing up for an account and sending and receiving emails.

The lesson plan comes complete with a read-aloud text, a list of key vocabulary words, a comprehension quiz, and topics for group discussion.

Protecting yourself from phishing email

Developed by Melissa Pagan and Priscilla Yuen

This  lesson plan on cybersecurity for new computer users teaches students how to recognize spam or fake emails and how to protect themselves from being scammed.

The lesson plan includes a read-aloud text, a checklist for cybersafety, comprehension exercises, a vocabulary list, and an answer key.