The Learning app “Digital? Safe!”
The Internet and its use is an integral part of life for young people. Whether research or social media, life moves to the online space, and this also poses risks. The Learning app “Digital? Safe!" is a free learning tool for young people aged between 14 and 16. It can also be used by younger or older young people, depending on previous knowledge, and is freely available for use.
Get to know the initiative
The app was developed and tested at the University of Graz with the involvement of students and teachers. Representatives of youth institutions were also involved in development. The web app requires an individual login and is best used on the computer or laptop, but can also be used on the tablet or smartphone.
The individual modules are gradually activated depending on progress. It learns with knowledge maps, saddles and videos. By way of example, case studies from everyday internet life show where data are left and what impact this can have. In the course of the game, participants take their own decisions on an ongoing basis through interactive elements, so that their followers’ figures and experience sources of danger on the basis of close-to-life situations (from interviews to love concessions to family dreams). The thematic areas cover different topics related to digital security. These include, for example, what constitutes a secure password or how to make user data into money. On the way through the game, ‘Goosy der Gans’ is an avatar. All the information is presented humourously and clearly.
The app consists of four learning modules and a final reflection module. The first three modules can be played alone, while in the fourth module tasks can also be solved together as a group. Each module can be completed both in the classroom and at home, as the work steps are clearly explained.
Module overview
- Module 1: Creation of a secure account
- Module 2: Privacy
- Module 3: Datafication
- Module 4: Cyber attacks
- Module 5: Reflection and follow-up
Teachers will be offered a free pdf download booklet containing suggestions for lessons and practical tips for exercises and discussion sessions on each module. The Digital app? Safe!’ is inspired by the Austrian curriculum for basic digital education.
Why is "Digital? Safe!" a Good Practice?
“Digital? Safe!" represents good practice in digital education for various reasons. The app was developed in close cooperation with teachers and representatives of youth institutions to ensure that it meets the needs of the target group. At a time when young people are increasingly travelling online, the app aims to provide them with playful information on how to handle their personal data safely online. It covers important issues of great importance in the digital age.
The app uses a variety of learning methods, including knowledge maps, puzzles and videos, to make learning appealing and interactive. Teachers are supported by an accompanying booklet, which facilitates the integration of the app into the classroom. The app is also aligned with the Austrian curriculum for basic digital education, which underlines its relevance for school education.
Overall, is "Digital? Safe!" is a convincing example of how digital education can be effectively designed to promote digital literacy among young people. The holistic planning and implementation of this app helps to create modern education opportunities in the digital age.
