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Thinking Critically in a Digital World

Targeted Transferable Skill

Digital Literacy

Targeted Expectation & Learning Content

In this sequence, the main learning comes from Strand A, since this strand focuses most directly on developing students’ ability to think critically about digital and media environments, including how information is created, shared, and used. Students learn to question the reliability of digital content, understand the role of algorithms, and to make responsible decisions when using digital tools, including artificial intelligence. The expectations from Strand C support students’ ability to interpret, question, and evaluate digital texts by applying comprehension and critical thinking strategies. Students analyze information, identify gaps or bias, and justify their interpretations using evidence.  The expectations from Strand B are integrated to support clarity and precision as students explain their thinking. Students use appropriate vocabulary and sentence structure to communicate their ideas clearly and responsibly in digital contexts. 

STRAND A: A1.2, A1.3, A2.2 
STRAND C: C2.1, C2.2, C3.1, C3.4 
STRAND B: B3.1 

Learning Goals

By the end of this learning sequence, students will be able to say: 

  1. I CAN question the reliability and credibility of digital texts and online information. 
  2. I CAN identify clues that help me decide if digital content is trustworthy or not. 
  3. I CAN explain how digital content, including AI-generated text, is created and why that matters. 
  4. I CAN recognize when information is vague, incomplete, or potentially biased. 
  5. I CAN make responsible decisions when using digital tools, including artificial intelligence. 
  6. I CAN explain my thinking clearly and support my opinions with reasons and evidence. 
  7. I CAN reflect on how I use digital tools and how my choices affect my learning. 

Required Materials

Everything is embedded in the worksheets available for download, but if you would like to adapt this sequence, you will need: 

  1. Short digital text examples representing different types of content (e.g., social media post, AI-generated response, informational paragraph) 
  2. Clear labels indicating how each text was created (e.g., human-written, AI-generated, online source) 
  3. Guided questions or sentence starters to support analysis, decision-making, and reflection 
  4. Short, realistic digital scenarios connected to school or everyday situations (e.g., using AI for homework, evaluating online information) 
  5. Simple comparison or decision-making organizers (e.g., chart, checklist, or graphic organizer) 
  6. Basic vocabulary supports (e.g., key terms such as reliable, bias, source, algorithm, credibility) 
  7. Online spaces for students to submit short written, audio, or video responses 
  8. Optional sample responses or models to illustrate strong reasoning and justification 

Learning Sequence

Writing Activity Prompt

In this activity, you will explore how to question digital information and identify clues that help you decide what is reliable. 

Trusting information online is not always simple. Digital texts can look convincing, even when they are unclear, incomplete, or misleading. Learning to question what you see is an important part of becoming a critical reader. In 3-5 sentences, reflect on the following question: 

How do you decide what to trust online?

Before beginning this activity, you will explore different types of digital texts and consider what makes them feel reliable or questionable. You will begin to question how trustworthy different types of digital content are. You will explore how tone, detail, and source can influence your decisions, even when the information looks convincing.  

Read the texts below carefully. 

As you read each example, think carefully about: 

  1. how trustworthy the information feels; 
  2. what makes you believe or doubt it; 
  3. what clues influence your decision. 

Text 1 - Social Media Post 

Text 2 – AI-Generated 

Text 3 - Informational Text 

Drinking lemon water every morning can boost your immune system, improve digestion, and help you lose weight quickly. Many people are switching to this simple daily habit instead of relying on medication. 

Regular physical activity has been shown to improve overall health, including cardiovascular function, mental well-being, and energy levels. Engaging in moderate exercise several times a week can contribute to long-term health benefits. 

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, regular physical activity can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week for adults. 

QUESTION: Would you trust this information? Why or why not? 

Now that you have read and examined each text, respond in a short paragraph or audio response: 

  1. Which text do you trust the most now? Why? 
  2. Which text did you trust the least? What made you question it? 
  3. What specific detail (tone, wording, source, or missing information) influenced your thinking the most? 
  4. Did your opinion change from your first reaction? Explain why or why not. 
  5. What is one clue you used to decide if a text was trustworthy? 
  6. What is one thing you will now think about before trusting information online? 

Submit all responses to your teacher. 

Activation Activity

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From Trust to Judgment

In this section, you will understand that digital texts can be created in different ways, and that how a text is created can affect how we interpret and trust it. 

Texts for Exploration Task: 

Text A 

Staying active is one of the most effective ways to support both physical and mental health. Regular movement can improve focus, reduce stress, and help maintain overall well-being. Many people find that even small changes, like walking daily or participating in a sport, can make a noticeable difference in how they feel. Over time, these habits can become part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Text B 

When I started trying to be more active, I thought it meant going all in right away, like intense workouts every day. That didn’t last long. What actually worked was starting small. I began by walking after dinner a few times a week, and it slowly became part of my routine. I still don’t exercise perfectly, but I’ve noticed I feel less stressed and more focused when I keep moving regularly. 

Teacher Answer Key:

Text A – AI-generated 

  1. Very general 
  2. No personal voice 
  3. Polished but vague 
  4. No specific experience 

Text B – Human-written 

  1. Personal experience 
  2. Specific details 
  3. Slightly imperfect, more authentic voice 
  4. More relatable 

Step 1: How Was This Made?

You will read two short texts that appear similar. One was written by a human, and one was generated using AI. At first, you will not be told which is which.  

Your Task: Answer the following questions:

  1. Which text feels more trustworthy? Why? 
  2. What details (tone, wording, clarity, depth) influenced your answer? 

Step 2: Looking for Clues

Revisit the two texts from Step 1. This time, focus on analyzing the content more closely. 

Your Task:

For each text, identify: 

  1. one strength (what makes it seem reliable?); 
  2. one concern (what makes it questionable or unclear?). 

Think about: 

  1. vague or general statements; 
  2. missing details; 
  3. lack of evidence or examples; 
  4. tone that sounds convincing but not specific. 

​​Note to teachers: Once students respond to the above questions, reveal which source wrote each text. 

Reflection (after knowing which text is AI and which is human): 

Did knowing how the text was created change your thinking? Explain.

Step 3: Real-Life Decisions

You will explore these four short scenarios related to school and everyday use of digital tools:


Scenario 1 

Scenario 2

Scenario 3

Scenario 4

You are reading a complex article for class, but you don’t understand some parts. You use an AI tool to explain the ideas in simpler language so you can better understand the text. 

You are short on time and ask an AI tool to write a paragraph for your assignment. You copy the paragraph and submit it with your work. 

You find a post online that includes interesting facts for your project. The information sounds convincing, so you use it without checking its source. 

You wrote your own paragraph, but you are unsure if it is clear. You use an AI tool to suggest improvements, then revise your writing based on those suggestions. 

Your Task: 

For each of the four scenarios, answer the following questions: 

  1. Is this a responsible choice? Why or why not? 
  2. What are the risks or consequences of doing this? 
  3. What would be a better or more responsible approach? 

Step 4: Justify Your Thinking

Choose one scenario from Step 3, and answer the following question: 

What makes a digital choice responsible?

Now, answer the following questions regarding your chosen scenario: 

  1. What decision would you make in this situation? 
  2. Why is this the most responsible choice? 
  3. What are the possible risks or consequences? 
  4. What is one better or safer alternative? 

Step 5: Intentional Reflection 

Complete the sentence: 

What is one thing that you will think of differently when using digital tools? 

Now, answer the question: 

What is one question you will now ask yourself before trusting online information?

Submit all work to your teacher. 

Exploration Activity

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G Suite version

My Digital Decision Rule

In this activity, you will reflect on what you have learned about digital literacy and create a personal guideline to help you make responsible choices when using digital tools, including AI.  

Student Task: 

Consider this central question: 

What rule will guide your digital choices and help you make responsible decisions?

Think about the activities you just completed: 

  1. how you decided what to trust; 
  2. how digital texts are created (human vs AI); 
  3. how you evaluated different scenarios; 
  4. the choices you made when deciding what was responsible. 

You will now create your own Digital Decision Rule, a short set of ideas that will guide your choices when using digital tools.  

Your Task: 

In 5-8 sentences, finish the following statements: 

  1. When I use digital tools, I should always… 
  2. One situation where using digital tools is helpful is… 
  3. One situation where using digital tools is not appropriate is… 
  4. One question I will ask myself before trusting or using digital information is… 
  5. This rule is important because... 

Your rule should be something you could actually follow in real life. This rule will help guide your decisions in future assignments and real-life digital situations where you need to think critically and act responsibly.  Avoid vague statements, like: Be careful online. Instead, focus on how and when you can and will use AI and how you will ensure that the work you produce is still authentic to you. 

 Reflection: 

Which part of your rule do you think will be the most important for you? Why?  

Submit your response to your teacher. 

Consolidation Activity

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G Suite version

To support diverse learners, adaptations may include: 

  1. Offering multiple response formats (written, audio, or video) 
  2. Providing sentence starters and guided prompts to support reasoning and justification 
  3. Reducing the number of digital texts or scenarios to focus on depth rather than quantity 
  4. Highlighting key clues in texts (e.g., vague wording, missing details, tone) to support analysis 
  5. Using simple comparison charts or decision-making organizers (e.g., trust / not sure / do not trust) 
  6. Pre-teaching or reinforcing key vocabulary (e.g., reliable, bias, source, algorithm, credibility) 
  7. Chunking tasks into smaller steps with clear instructions at each stage 
  8. Providing model responses that demonstrate clear and well-supported thinking 
  9. Allowing flexible pacing or extended time for reading, thinking, and responding 

Grammar Activity: Precision, clarity, and register in digital communication

Purpose

This grammar activity helps you understand that the way you write affects how your message is understood and trusted, especially in digital spaces. You will learn that grammar is not only about being correct, it is also about being clear, precise, and responsible when communicating ideas online. 

Grammar Focus

  1. Understand how word choice affects clarity and meaning 
  2. Recognize vague or imprecise language in digital texts 
  3. Use more specific and precise vocabulary to communicate ideas clearly 
  4. Adjust tone and register to match purpose and audience 
  5. Revise sentences to improve clarity, accuracy, and credibility 

Grammar Activity

O365 version
G Suite version

Answer Key

PDF version

Evaluative Task: Think Before You Trust

Purpose

In this task, you will demonstrate your ability to evaluate digital information and make responsible decisions when using digital tools, including AI. You will apply what you have learned to a realistic situation and explain your thinking clearly.  

Task Overview:

You will be presented with a digital scenario that includes: 

  1. a short text or piece of information; 
  2. a situation where a decision must be made.

Your role is to: 

  1. decide what to trust;
  2. explain your reasoning;
  3. propose a responsible course of action. 

Digital information can be convincing, even when it is incomplete or misleading. Making responsible choices requires you to question what you read and explain your thinking clearly. In 6-10 sentences, respond to the following question: 

How can you make responsible decisions when using digital information? 

Before completing this task, review the scenario carefully and consider the clues that affect trust, credibility, and responsible use. 

Scenario for this Task

You are working on an assignment about healthy habits. You decide to use an AI tool to help you get started.  

You type your question, and the tool gives you the following response: 

Drinking lemon water every morning can significantly improve your immune system, boost metabolism, and help with weight loss. Many health experts recommend this simple habit as an effective way to stay healthy. 

You are thinking about using this information in your assignment. 

At the same time, you find another source: 

While staying hydrated is important for overall health, there is limited scientific evidence to support the claim that lemon water has significant effects on metabolism or immune function. Health professionals recommend a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and proper hydration. 

Guiding questions:

Use these questions to help you develop your response. You do not need to answer each question separately.  

  1. What would you do in this situation? 
  2. Which information do you trust more, and why? 
  3. Identify at least two specific clues that influenced your answer (tone, wording, detail, source, missing information). 
  4. What is one risk of using the first response without checking it? 
  5. What is one responsible next step you could take before using this information? 

 Submit work directly to the teacher. 

Evaluative Task

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G Suite version

Evaluative Task Rubric

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G Suite version