Critical Digital, Media & AI Literacy (Sec)
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
L3 Sec: Documentary literacy & critical thinking
Look beneath the surface of documentaries, questioning how filmmaking styles impact connection.
View lesson plan →L1 Sec: Course introduction & survey
First of two impact benchmark surveys to explore attitudinal and thinking shifts within the course.
View 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.
View lesson plan →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.
View lesson plan →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.
View lesson plan →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.
View lesson plan →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.
View lesson plan →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.
View 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.
View lesson plan →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.
View lesson plan →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.
View lesson plan →L8 Sec: Social media & image manipulation
Explore the ways visuals can be manipulated.
View lesson plan →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.
Fashion Photographer
An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.
Habiba's Home
An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.
Journey to a New Home
An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.
Keep London Smiling
An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.
Muhammed's Home
An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.
Music Is My Social Tool
An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.
Sacred Acres
An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.
Summer Village
An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.
The Age of AI
An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.
Winter Village
An immersive Lyfta storyworld available with an account.
Dinnertime 360
A related Lyfta series available with an account.