More About the Program (Optional Website Section)

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this 12-month curriculum will be able to:

◍ Understand core concepts of digital communication and social media literacy
◍ Teach safe, ethical, and effective online behavior
◍ Develop classroom activities that foster digital citizenship
◍ Assess student work and provide constructive feedback
◍ Present a professional portfolio of instructional units and projects

In-class students attend weekly face-to-face sessions and use the same LMS for assignments and portfolio work.

Program Purpose & Educational Relevance

Social media and digital communication are deeply integrated into the lives of students of all ages. Building critical skills for safe, ethical, and effective participation in digital spaces is essential to modern education. This program prepares educators to meet these needs by:

◍ Translating social media skills into meaningful learning experiences
◍ Supporting students in recognizing online risks and opportunities
◍ Encouraging positive digital engagement and ethical behavior
◍ Aligning instruction with real-world digital communication standards

Instructional Methodology

The curriculum is built around project-based learning, where participants actively design, implement, and evaluate digital communication activities with instructional purpose.

Instruction includes:

◍ Direct instructor mentoring
◍ Guided lesson and project creation
◍ Iterative feedback and refinement
◍ Portfolio-focused assessment

This approach supports meaningful learning and professional teaching practice.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program are able to:

◍ Teach social media literacy and communication with confidence
◍ Use digital tools to support student learning
◍ Design lessons that promote ethical, safe digital behavior
◍ Build and present a professional portfolio of instructional materials

These outcomes align with current educational expectations and best practices in digital citizenship instruction.

Faculty Oversight & Academic Support

All students are supported through:

◍ Curriculum delivery
◍ Project evaluation and feedback
◍ Academic progress monitoring
◍ Professional guidance

This ensures consistent instructional quality and measurable learning outcomes.

Institutional Impact

Through structured instruction and scalable delivery models, the institution contributes to:

◍ Professional education in digital and communication fields
◍ Workforce development for educators
◍ Adult learner access to career-relevant pedagogy skills
◍ Practical competence for teaching digital literacy in schools and youth programs

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Delivery Model

The program is delivered through a structured, semester-based academic model designed to support adult learners while maintaining strong instructional oversight and consistent learning outcomes.

The course operates on two main academic semesters per year—Fall and Winter—with an optional accelerated Spring/Summer intake.

This structure aligns with North American post-secondary education standards and ensures continuity, academic accountability, and measurable student progress.

Available Delivery Formats

◍ In-Class Learning with LMS Support

(Available to students in New Brunswick, Canada)

Students attend live, instructor-led classes in person while using the Learning Management System (LMS) to access structured lessons, assignments, and project materials.

This blended delivery model provides:

◍ Direct faculty instruction and supervision
◍ Hands-on, guided practice in a classroom setting
◍ Digital organization of coursework through the LMS
◍ Ongoing instructor feedback and academic monitoring

This In-class learning is available in Saint John, NB Canada or Quispamsis, NB, Canada and follows the same curriculum and assessment standards as the online format.

Register for In-Class Learning

◍ Online-Only Learning via LMS

Read more how E-Learning work >>

Students complete the full program through a structured LMS-based environment, progressing through weekly modules, guided assignments, and portfolio projects.

How E-Learning Works

◍ Access weekly lessons through the online LMS
◍ Participate in live video sessions with the instructor
◍ Download course materials and videos
◍ Submit design projects and receive feedback
◍ Engage in discussions and peer reviews

This model supports independent learning while maintaining consistent instructional standards and faculty involvement.

Flexible Learning Pathways for Adult Learners

Recognizing the needs of working adults, the institution also offers a self-paced independent learning track under full academic oversight.

In this model:

◍ Students may begin at flexible start dates
◍ Coursework is completed through the LMS
◍ Projects are formally reviewed and assessed by faculty
◍ Optional one-on-one instructor consultations are available

This pathway maintains academic standards while expanding access to education for professionals with demanding schedules.

Teaching Social Media Skills & Safe, Ethical Digital Communication

Professional Certificate Program
LearnDash Course Structure

Duration: 12 Months
Format: Instructor-Led + LMS + Project-Based Learning
Outcome: Professional Certificate + Teaching & Digital Citizenship Portfolio

MODULE 1: Program Orientation & Digital Communication Foundations

Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to:

• Understand program structure, expectations, and assessment

• Define digital communication and social media literacy

• Identify educator responsibilities in online learning environments

Lessons & Topics

Lesson 1: Program Orientation

• Topic: LMS navigation and communication

• Topic: Program goals and portfolio requirements

Lesson 2: Introduction to Digital Communication

• Topic: What is digital communication?

• Topic: Online vs offline communication

Lesson 3: Role of Educators in Digital Spaces

• Topic: Teaching responsibility and boundaries

• Topic: Professional standards

MODULE 2: Social Media Platforms & Digital Ecosystems

Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to:

• Understand how social media platforms function

• Identify platform differences and user behavior

• Teach platform awareness safely and responsibly

Lessons & Topics

Lesson 4: Social Media Platforms Overview

• Topic: Common platforms and purposes

• Topic: Age considerations

Lesson 5: How Social Media Works

• Topic: Algorithms and engagement

• Topic: Content visibility

Lesson 6: Teaching Platform Awareness

• Topic: Age-appropriate explanations

• Topic: Classroom discussion strategies

MODULE 3: Digital Citizenship & Online Ethics

Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to:

• Explain ethical online behavior

• Teach respect, responsibility, and accountability

• Address common ethical dilemmas

Lessons & Topics

Lesson 7: Digital Citizenship Basics

• Topic: Rights and responsibilities

• Topic: Online identity

Lesson 8: Ethics in Digital Communication

• Topic: Respectful communication

• Topic: Misinformation and manipulation

Lesson 9: Teaching Ethics to Kids & Teens

• Topic: Scenarios and role-playing

• Topic: Discussion facilitation

MODULE 4: Online Safety & Risk Awareness

Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to:

• Identify online risks for young users

• Teach safe online practices

• Respond appropriately to safety concerns

Lessons & Topics

Lesson 10: Online Risks & Threats

• Topic: Privacy risks

• Topic: Cyberbullying and harassment

Lesson 11: Personal Data & Privacy

• Topic: Digital footprints

• Topic: Privacy settings

Lesson 12: Teaching Online Safety

• Topic: Age-appropriate safety lessons

• Topic: Preventive strategies

MODULE 5: Responsible Content Creation

Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to:

• Teach responsible content creation

• Explain copyright and fair use

• Guide students in ethical sharing

Lessons & Topics

Lesson 13: Creating Digital Content

• Topic: Text, image, and video basics

• Topic: Intent and audience

Lesson 14: Copyright & Attribution

• Topic: Ownership and credit

• Topic: Fair use basics

Lesson 15: Teaching Responsible Sharing

• Topic: Posting guidelines

• Topic: Classroom activities

MODULE 6: Communication Skills & Online Behavior

Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to:

• Teach effective online communication

• Address tone, clarity, and empathy

• Support positive interaction

Lessons & Topics

Lesson 16: Online Communication Styles

• Topic: Tone and context

• Topic: Miscommunication online

Lesson 17: Conflict & Misunderstanding

• Topic: Managing disagreements

• Topic: De-escalation strategies

Lesson 18: Teaching Positive Online Interaction

• Topic: Classroom simulations

• Topic: Peer feedback

MODULE 7: Media Literacy & Critical Thinking

Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to:

• Teach students to evaluate online information

• Address misinformation and bias

• Promote critical digital thinking

Lessons & Topics

Lesson 19: Media Literacy Fundamentals

• Topic: Source evaluation

• Topic: Bias and perspective

Lesson 20: Misinformation & Digital Influence

• Topic: Fake news

• Topic: Influencers and persuasion

Lesson 21: Teaching Critical Media Skills

• Topic: Analysis activities

• Topic: Discussion frameworks

MODULE 8: Classroom Management & Inclusive Digital Instruction

Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to:

• Manage discussions on sensitive digital topics

• Support diverse learners

• Create inclusive digital learning environments

Lessons & Topics

Lesson 22: Managing Digital Discussions

• Topic: Classroom norms

• Topic: Safe discussion spaces

Lesson 23: Inclusive Teaching Practices

• Topic: Accessibility

• Topic: Cultural sensitivity

Lesson 24: Assessment & Feedback

• Topic: Rubrics for digital work

• Topic: Growth-based evaluation

MODULE 9: Curriculum Integration & Lesson Design

Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to:

• Integrate digital communication into curricula

• Design lesson plans aligned with learning goals

• Support cross-curricular learning

Lessons & Topics

Lesson 25: Curriculum Alignment

• Topic: Educational standards

• Topic: Learning outcomes

Lesson 26: Lesson & Activity Design

• Topic: Age-appropriate sequencing

• Topic: Engagement strategies

Lesson 27: Cross-Curricular Connections

• Topic: Language arts, social studies, health

• Topic: Project examples

MODULE 10: Professional Practice for Digital Citizenship Educators

Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to:

• Document lessons professionally

• Communicate with families and schools

• Reflect on instructional practice

Lessons & Topics

Lesson 28: Lesson Documentation

• Topic: Lesson plans and objectives

• Topic: Reporting outcomes

Lesson 29: Professional Communication

• Topic: Working with parents and administrators

• Topic: Policy awareness

Lesson 30: Reflective Teaching Practice

• Topic: Self-assessment

• Topic: Continuous improvement

MODULE 11: Portfolio Development

Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to:

• Compile teaching materials and projects

• Document learning outcomes

• Present work professionally

Lessons & Topics

Lesson 31: Portfolio Planning

• Topic: Selecting teaching units

• Topic: Portfolio structure

Lesson 32: Case Study Writing

• Topic: Learning goals and outcomes

• Topic: Reflection writing

Lesson 33: Portfolio Refinement

• Topic: Presentation and clarity

• Topic: Professional polish

MODULE 12: Capstone Project

Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to:

• Design and deliver a complete digital citizenship teaching unit

• Apply pedagogy, ethics, and safety strategies

• Demonstrate professional readiness

Lessons & Topics

Lesson 34: Capstone Proposal

• Topic: Project scope and objectives

• Topic: Timeline planning

Lesson 35: Capstone Development

• Topic: Lesson and activity creation

• Topic: Review and refinement

Lesson 36: Capstone Presentation

• Topic: Final presentation

• Topic: Instructor evaluation