Common social-media platforms for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 3
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: English Language
Curriculum Theme: Writing
Focal competence: Composing good social media posts
Key competencies/values: Communication; ICT and Digital Competencies; Digital Competencies; Collaboration; Information Literacy; Respect
Skills:

• Reading and comprehending texts

Previous Lesson: Identifying the Writer’s Tone in a Text
Topic: Digital Communication (Communication On The Social Media)
Subject Matter: Common social-media platforms

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Identify common social media platforms (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok).
• State the dangers of misusing social media.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of responsible digital communication.
• Develop a sense of caution when using social media platforms.

Psychomotor Domain

• Compose simple, appropriate social media posts.

Social Domain

• Collaborate effectively in discussions about social media use.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• New Concept English for Senior Secondary Schools 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Computers
• Smart Phones
• Laptops
• Online resources (e.g., screenshots or short video clips of social media platforms)
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because it equips students with essential digital literacy skills, enabling them to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. Understanding common social media platforms and their associated dangers helps students make informed decisions, protecting themselves from cyberbullying, misinformation, and other online risks. It also fosters responsible communication habits crucial for their academic and personal development in a digital age.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of communication, the internet, and perhaps some prior exposure to digital devices like mobile phones or computers.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Digital Communication (Communication On The Social Media)

Social media refers to interactive digital platforms that enable users to create and share content, or to participate in social networking and communication.

Common Social Media Platforms

There are several popular social media platforms used for various forms of digital communication:

1. WhatsApp: A free messaging application that allows users to send text messages, voice messages, make voice and video calls, and share images, documents, user locations, and other media. It is widely used for personal and group communication.
2. Facebook: A social networking service where users can create personal profiles, share photos and videos, post updates, join groups, and connect with friends and family. It also includes features like Messenger for direct messaging.
3. Instagram: A photo and video sharing social networking service. Users can upload, edit, and share visual content, follow other users, and interact through likes and comments. It is known for its visual focus.
4. X (formerly Twitter): A microblogging and social networking service where users post and interact with short messages known as “posts” or “tweets.” It is often used for real-time news updates, public discussions, and sharing concise information.
5. TikTok: A short-form video hosting service where users can create and share brief videos on various topics, often accompanied by music or sound clips. It is popular for entertainment, creative expression, and trending challenges.

Dangers of Misusing Social Media

While social media offers many benefits, its misuse can lead to several negative consequences that users should be aware of:

1. Cyberbullying: This involves using social media platforms to harass, threaten, or embarrass others through hurtful messages, rumours, or images. It can cause severe emotional and psychological distress to victims.
2. Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Users, especially young people, can unintentionally encounter violent, explicit, hateful, or otherwise unsuitable material that can be disturbing or harmful.
3. Privacy Invasion: Sharing too much personal information online, such as addresses, phone numbers, or daily routines, can make users vulnerable to identity theft, scams, stalking, or unwanted attention from strangers.
4. Addiction and Mental Health Issues: Excessive use of social media can lead to addiction, anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy due to constant comparison with others’ seemingly perfect online lives.
5. Spread of Misinformation and Fake News: False or misleading information can spread rapidly on social media, influencing opinions, causing panic, or even inciting violence, without users verifying its accuracy.
6. Online Predators: Malicious individuals may use social media to build trust with vulnerable users, particularly children and teenagers, with the intention of exploitation, grooming, or harm.
7. Reduced Productivity: Constant notifications, endless scrolling, and the urge to engage can distract students from their schoolwork, chores, or other important real-life tasks, leading to poor academic performance.
8. Reputational Damage: Posting inappropriate content, engaging in disrespectful online behaviour, or participating in online arguments can permanently harm one’s personal and professional reputation, affecting future opportunities like job applications or university admissions.
9. Scams and Fraud: Users can be targeted by various online scams, phishing attempts, fraudulent schemes, or fake giveaways designed to steal personal information, financial details, or money.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Group Work

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Activating Prior Knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them about their favourite ways to communicate with friends and family, especially those far away. The teacher then introduces the topic of digital communication and social media.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Prior communication methods recalled

Step 2: Explanation of Social Media

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what social media is, highlighting its role in connecting people and sharing information. The teacher uses simple examples to make the concept clear.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and contribute their understanding of social media.

Learning Point: Social media definition

Step 3: Identifying WhatsApp and Facebook

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Identification/Demonstration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces WhatsApp and Facebook, describing their main features and uses. The teacher may show screenshots or brief video clips of these platforms if instructional materials are available, guiding students to identify them.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify WhatsApp and Facebook, discuss their features, and share their experiences or knowledge about these platforms.

Learning Point: WhatsApp and Facebook identified

Step 4: Identifying Instagram, X, and TikTok

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Identification/Description

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher continues by introducing Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, explaining their unique characteristics and how they are used for communication and content sharing. The teacher encourages students to differentiate between them.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the remaining platforms, describe their uses, and compare their features.

Learning Point: Instagram, X, TikTok identified

Step 5: Discussing Dangers of Misuse (Part 1)

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Discussion/Facilitation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher initiates a discussion on the potential dangers of misusing social media, focusing on cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and privacy invasion. The teacher asks students for examples or scenarios.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, sharing their thoughts and experiences related to the dangers mentioned.

Learning Point: Social media dangers discussed

Step 6: Discussing Dangers of Misuse (Part 2)

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement/Awareness

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher continues the discussion on dangers, covering addiction, spread of misinformation, online predators, reduced productivity, reputational damage, and scams. The teacher emphasises the importance of critical thinking and caution.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and suggest ways to mitigate these dangers, reinforcing their understanding of responsible use.

Learning Point: Responsible use reinforced

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Name three common social media platforms.
2. State two dangers of misusing social media.
3. How can you protect your privacy on social media?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Social media platforms identified

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on common social media platforms and their dangers into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Board notes copied

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising/Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of using social media responsibly and being aware of its potential dangers. The teacher encourages students to apply what they have learned in their daily digital interactions.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and ask any final questions.

Learning Point: Digital communication importance

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Further Reading

Instruction: Research and write short notes on the following:

1. Choose one social media platform discussed in class and describe its primary function and one unique feature.
2. Explain in your own words how cyberbullying can affect a person and suggest two ways to prevent it.
3. Discuss the importance of verifying information before sharing it on social media.

Lesson Keywords

• Digital Communication – The exchange of information and ideas using electronic devices and networks.
• Social Media – Interactive digital platforms that enable users to create and share content, or to participate in social networking.
• WhatsApp – A popular messaging app for texts, calls, and media sharing.
• Facebook – A social networking service for connecting with friends and sharing updates.
• Instagram – A visual social media platform for sharing photos and videos.
• X (formerly Twitter) – A microblogging platform for short messages and real-time discussions.
• TikTok – A short-form video hosting service for creative content.
• Cyberbullying – Harassing or threatening someone online.
• Misinformation – False or inaccurate information, especially that which is intended to deceive.

Differentiation

For students who may struggle with identifying platforms, provide visual aids like printed logos or screenshots of each social media app. For advanced learners, encourage them to research and present on emerging social media platforms or discuss more complex issues like digital footprints and online etiquette.

Suggested Lesson Videos

YouTube search: common social media platforms dangers SS1 English