Digital literacy is an essential skill for our times, yet one third of Americans lack the basic digital skills to participate in today’s job market, economy, and healthcare systems.
People with low-literacy levels are often left out of the digital revolution. Research shows they struggle to access new technologies, lack confidence in using them safely, and are more vulnerable to online scams.
To help address this gap, we have created two new cybersecurity lesson plans to enhance digital literacy for emerging adult readers.
These free, easy-to-use lesson plans introduce the basics of online safety and guide students through essential tasks like setting up an email account and identifying phishing scams. Each plan uses plain language, read-aloud texts, and guided discussion to build student confidence and independence.
Lesson Plan One: Creating an Email Account
This lesson plan for new computer users takes students through the process setting up an email address and sending their first message.
Lesson Plan Two: Protecting Yourself from Phishing Email
This lesson helps students recognize spam or scam emails and learn simple steps to stay safe online.
Many thanks to Melissa Pagan and Priscilla Yuen for developing these plans using AI as a tool!!
We hope these resources support your students in building the digital skills they need to participate safely and confidently in today’s online world.