Ampere’s Interactive Game Design Lead, Brandon Bunnie, sits at the intersection of storytelling, technology and culture, making games that invite players to explore language, make mistakes and find their own way forward. Brandon met up with Ampere’s Digital Media Specialist John Stewart to chat about his work.

In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Cassidy Swanston and Abbey Ramdeo from Actua discuss their roles in teaching science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) across Canada. They delve into the importance of digital citizenship and combatting misinformation. Cassidy dispels common misconceptions about digital safety, while Abbey shares insights on building critical digital skills. Both stress the significance of ethical behaviour and critical thinking in navigating the digital world. The conversation extends to discuss strategies for combating cyberbullying and the evolving impact of AI on digital citizenship. The episode concludes with practical advice for parents and educators on fostering safe digital habits.

00:00 Introduction and Team Roles

00:46 Defining Digital Citizenship

01:41 Common Misconceptions About Digital Citizenship

03:53 Teaching Soft Skills in Digital Citizenship

06:12 Spotting Fake News and Misinformation

08:31 AI's Impact on Digital Citizenship

10:51 Combating Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

14:14 Digital Literacy vs. Digital Citizenship

16:00 Advice for Parents on Digital Safety

18:43 Understanding Digital Footprint

20:25 Key Takeaways and Resources

Vivian Lee, Director of Education and Strategy for the Open Digital Literacy and Access Network (ODLAN), discusses the organization's mission to support underserved LGBTQIA+ communities with digital literacy and safety. Vivian shares insights on what digital literacy entails, its critical components, and why it matters. She elaborates on digital citizenship and its broader implications, including online safety, parental guidance, and the impacts of AI. Discussing misconceptions and ethical concerns, Vivian emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, collective responsibility, and the potential future of AI and digital sovereignty. ODLAN provides valuable resources, training, and reports to bolster community awareness and skills in navigating digital spaces.

00:00 Introduction to Vivian Lee

00:35 Origins and Mission of ODLAN

02:25 Defining Digital Literacy and Citizenship

04:45 Misconceptions About Digital Citizenship

07:07 Online Safety for Children

11:55 Ethical Concerns and Future of AI

21:37 Resources and Final Thoughts