FAQ

What is Digital Knights?

Digital Knights is a new, educational initiative for preparing children in Ireland for entry into the digital world.

Why is there a need for this?

The current solution to the dangers associated with children in digital spaces is to ban phones, social media, apps etc. However, education is much more effective and empowering approach than restrictions. While the current primary school curriculum and resources for online safety include a lot of useful information on some topics (e.g. cyberbullying, appropriate vs. inappropriate content), there is a lack of detail on technical aspects.

Understanding basic technical details of computers, data, and networking before owning a phone can help young people make smarter choices when they do. There is ample evidence from other fields that this educational approach is effective. For example, when teaching sex education, we don't shy away from explaining details of the menstrual cycle, sperm, STDs, etc. Young people armed with this knowledge make smarter choices than those who are left ignorant. We need to do provide the same for smartphones.

Why not leave this education to schools?

I don't believe the current curriculum and educational resources available in Irish primary schools adequately prepare children for entry to the digital world. This includes the recently announced Switched On programme for 5th and 6th class (see article). The materials do not provide sufficient technical depth to solve the problems I am most concerned with. Additionally, teachers have enough on their plates without being expected to become proficient in tech and cybersecurity as well.

Which problems?

My background in tech and cybersecurity mean I am acutely aware of the dangers we face when going online. For young people, my primary concerns relate to the data they create and share which makes up their digital footprint. This digital footprint is used by tech companies to train algorithms for profiling and targeting content. I don't want my child's feed populated with celebrities/influencers who have had plastic surgery because they once searched for 'nose job' out of curiosity. I don't want my children getting alerts about the latest deals on a product because they recently searched for it and are now in the vicinity of that company's shop. And, I particularly don't want my children seeing extreme political content from only one point of view.

Won't the upcoming smartphone and social media bans for kids solve the problems you have identified?

No. See article.

What will children learn in Digital Knights class?

They will learn how a mobile phone works by building one from scratch. Full details can be found on the curriculum page.

Why the medieval theme?

It can be beneficial to relate the learning of a new and unfamiliar topic to one a student already has knowledge of and a positive attitude towards. This is particularly true for younger learners. A lot of the concepts around computing, networking and online safety can be captured well in an analogy to elements from popular medieval fairytales, e.g. inside the castle walls is safe (home network), while outside (internet) can be dangerous. The castle wall is a firewall, drawbridges are ports, anonymity is putting on a helmet etc.

What skills/experience do you have for designing this curriculum?

I have spent over two decades in the fields of technology and education designing and delivering courses for children and college students. I hold a PhD in Computer Science from UCD and the CISSP cybersecurity certification from ISC2. I spent 5 years developing and delivering a curriculum for primary school ESL students, 4 years as a Teaching Assistant for UCD Computer Science, and most recently, 2 years lecturing at Trinity College Dublin in Speech and Language Technologies. For more information, see the about section.

How does Digital Knights differ from other tech education/coding classes for kids?

The focus of most other classes is on coding as a useful skill for future success. Digital Knights aims to cover a broader range of technical skills, as the primary focus is on building general technical self-sufficiency to ensure safety when the child possesses an internet enabled device of their own.

Who might be interested in these resources?

If you are reading this page, it is likely you are a parent who has an interest in this subject matter. You probably fall into one or more of the following groups:

• You want your children to receive a more comprehensive education on technology and cybersecurity than is available in schools.
• You want this education to happen before they get an internet enabled device of their own.
• You want your children to truly understand technology rather than simply being passive consumers.
• You want to provide a solid foundation for Junior Cert Technology and Leaving Cert Computer Science options.
• You want to give you children a skill which will be useful for the rest of their lives in whichever career they choose.

What if my child is not the 'techy' type?

It is not that long ago that computer and tech related skills were only learned by a small subset of the population who had a special interest or aptitude for the subject. Today, these skills need to be learned by everyone, not just the 'techy' types. It is the responsibility of those who design and deliver education in this field (including myself) to make sure it is accessible to everyone.

If my kids learn about technology, wont they end up spend more time using technology and staring at screens?

Some people think that if they send their kids to a martial arts class, they will become more agressive and get in fights. Research shows the opposite is true (See this meta-analysis). In the same vain, I hope that demystifying the technology behind the screen will aid children in resisting its pull. The real world is on the outside, and that is where kids should be spending their time.

Will there be education for parents?

Yes. Informative articles will be published monthly on this website.

When is the ideal time for a child to start learning?

7-9 years old is ideal. This will allow them to follow the standard curriculum and graduate to a real smartphone at the smae age as their friends(approximately 13).

What if my child is too young/old to start?

Please get in contact anyway. Younger children can be added to the waiting list, while accomodations could be made for older children if there is sufficient interest.

Will I be required to purchase any of the materials listed in the curriculum?

No. All materials for classes wil be provided except for the smartphone the child gets in the final semester.

What if my child uses the tech skills they learn to get around my parental controls?

Individual levels of parental monitoring are a family matter. Options for parental monitoring is a topic that could be covered in a parents information session.

When/Where are classes held?

See classes page for details

Can I get involved?

Yes! Please provide your input to the curriculum design by completing the survey and leave your email address at the end. Alternatively, go to the contact page and leave a message. If you have time for an in-person chat, that can be arranged too.