Introduce learners to algorithms, including what they are, how they work, and why they matter for our online experiences
About This Module
This curriculum module is based on takeaways from series two of NYC Digital Safety training videos. You may use this module by:
- Including it in your pre-existing public workshops
- Combining it with other NYC Digital Safety modules to make a longer data-privacy focused workshop
- Sharing the handout with library users at various service points
Downloadable presentation slides, a facilitation guide, and a handout can be found below. The handout from this module has been translated into Chinese, Haitian-Creole, Russian, and Spanish.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, participants will be able to:
- Define algorithms
- Analyze the effects of algorithms
- Discuss how algorithms work and how they shape online experiences
Lesson Plan
This lesson plan is also included in the downloadable facilitation guide below. You are welcome to use any and all of this, or adapt it as you see fit.
This module will take approximately one hour and twenty minutes to complete and includes a guided activity and time for discussion. If you have less time, you may consider making the guided activity something that learners do later on their own.
Introduction and welcome
Greet learners and review the plan for this module
Defining algorithms
Share a working definition of algorithm
Discussion: what do you already know about this topic?
Hold an open conversation with learners about what they’ve heard about algorithms so far
How algorithms work and where we can see them in action
Review different aspects of algorithms, how they work, and where we can see them in our online lives. Pause to see if anyone has anything else to add to these lists and examples
Pros and cons of algorithms
Share different pros and cons of algorithms and see what else your learners have to add here
Activity: discuss personal feelings towards algorithms
Divide your learners into small groups. Have them discuss the questions listed on the accompanying slide deck about their feelings towards algorithms. Bring everyone back together to share what they discussed in their groups
Ways to manage algorithms
Review the list of ways to manage algorithms, and the effects those choices can have on our online experiences. Pause to see if anyone has anything else to add or any questions
Activity: Testing out algorithms
Put your learners into pairs so they can discuss this activity together. Have learners use their guided handout to explore algorithms by running searches with different tools and comparing the results
Wrap up, final tips, and final questions
Review the closing thoughts and share the suggested resources. See if anyone has any final questions
Next Steps
Download the materials below for use in your workshop or at service points throughout your library.
If you plan to create a longer privacy-focused workshop using these materials, here is a link to Google slides. Feel free to make a copy if you’d like to add these slides to any other deck.
And please let us know how it went! Use this form to share your feedback on this module. We’d love to hear from you.