Secondary

Critical Digital, Media & AI Literacy (Sec)

12Lesson plans
10Storyworlds
1Articles

About this collection

This course supports secondary students to critically explore the media and digital world they’re immersed in. Through powerful human stories, immersive environments, articles, and reflective discussion, students are invited to question how algorithms, platforms, and media representations shape what we see, and what we miss. Through over 12 sequenced lessons, learners engage with topics including misinformation, deepfakes, stereotypes, AI, digital responsibility, and the power of storytelling. Regular journaling prompts help deepen self-reflection, and survey tools measure shifts in attitudes and understanding. The course is mapped to PSHE, Citizenship and Computing, and supports personal development through empathy, media awareness, and ethical digital engagement.

Lesson plans in this collection

Lesson plan

L3 Sec: Documentary literacy & critical thinking

Look beneath the surface of documentaries, questioning how filmmaking styles impact connection.

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Lesson plan

L1 Sec: Course introduction & survey

First of two impact benchmark surveys to explore attitudinal and thinking shifts within the course.

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Lesson plan

L2 Sec: Introduction to digital & media literacy

Explore how media and digital spaces shape the way we see the world, ourselves, and each other, and why asking better questions matters.

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L10 Sec: Responsibility & belonging

Think deeply about how our digital actions affect others, and what it means to show up with care and responsibility online.

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L12 Sec: Course reflections & final survey

Compare your learning journey from start to finish and reflect on how your thinking, questions, and habits have shifted.

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L9 Sec: Representation & the media

Consider who gets shown in the media and music industry, how they’re portrayed, and why fair and full representation matters for everyone.

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L7 Sec: AI and echo chambers

Explore how algorithms can trap us in echo chambers and how to stretch beyond our digital comfort zones to hear new perspectives.

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L6 Sec: Deepfakes, misinformation & disinformation

Learn how deepfakes and manipulated content spread online, and develop strategies to spot what’s real, and what’s designed to deceive.

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Lesson plan

L4 Sec: Developing media literacy

Discover how media influences our perceptions and continue building your own toolkit to reflect, question, and think critically.

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L5 Sec: AI: algorithms, bias and stereotypes

Uncover how algorithms shape our feeds, the risks of bias in AI, and why questioning stereotypes in digital systems matters.

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L11 Sec: Humanity and truth

Lesson 11 from the Secondary Critical Digital and Media Literacy course. Reconnecting with the human heart of digital life: empathy, kindness, and the power of everyday connection.

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Lesson plan

L8 Sec: Social media & image manipulation

Explore the ways visuals can be manipulated.

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Storyworlds and rich media

Open storyworlds, films and rich media alongside the complete lesson sequence with an eligible Lyfta subscription, or access them through a Lyfta free trial. Start teaching the lessons in this collection for free today — no credit card required. Already have access? Sign in.

Storyworld

Fashion Photographer

An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.

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Storyworld

Habiba's Home

An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.

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Storyworld

Journey to a New Home

An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.

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Storyworld

Keep London Smiling

An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.

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Storyworld

Muhammed's Home

An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.

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Storyworld

Music Is My Social Tool

An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.

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Storyworld

Sacred Acres

An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.

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Storyworld

Summer Village

An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.

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Storyworld

The Age of AI

An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.

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Storyworld

Winter Village

An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.

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Rich media article

Dinnertime 360

A related Lyfta series available with an account.

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