"Children grow up in a digital world. It offers endless possibilities, but it's also important to be aware of potential risks," says Claudia Doorn. From Vodafone Foundation, she works towards a digital society where vulnerable groups develop digital skills and can participate in society. "We don't just promote this on Safer Internet Day. We work on it every day."
Safe online
One of the initiatives is Online Masters, aimed at upper primary school students, lower secondary school students, and special education students. This program teaches children and young people how to stay safe online. Kim Huntjens, who is involved in the program from Vodafone Foundation, explains: "In the Safe Master module, we teach students how to protect their online privacy, keep their devices and social media accounts secure, and understand how companies obtain their data. Additionally, the themes Digital, Creative, and Social are covered. In Digital, we look at smart computers, smart toys, and the latest technological developments. In the Social lessons, students discuss their behavior in WhatsApp groups and learn to recognize fake news and videos. And in Creative, students work on programming and Chat AI."
Digitally skilled through school
The program aligns with the core objectives for digital literacy set by the government. These are skills needed to navigate the digital society. This makes Online Masters a great resource for schools. "Many schools are looking for ways to integrate this into their curriculum," Claudia explains. "We develop the lessons with an educational partner who knows exactly what is happening in schools. Together with partners like Netwerk Mediawijsheid, ECP/veiliginternetten, EDG Media, and experts from VodafoneZiggo, we keep the lessons up-to-date. Recently, we completely renewed the lessons on artificial intelligence, or AI."
Check your hack
The lessons are ready-to-use on the website, so teachers can deliver them themselves. "All you need to get started is an internet connection, a digital board, and a dose of enthusiasm," says Kim. "Cyber experts, scientists, and vloggers provide explanations, and we mix videos with interactive assignments and quizzes. A popular lesson is the 'hack-check,' where students discover that there are also good hackers who help companies become more secure. Teachers can follow webinars on our website to stay up-to-date. VodafoneZiggo employees can also visit schools for guest lessons."
Happy to contribute
Kim: “We have just completed a pilot with lessons for primary school groups 5 and 6. Technology makes beautiful things possible, but it is also up to us to teach children and young people how to use it in a safe way. We are happy that we can play a role in this, and that Online Masters' classes are well appreciated.”
Welkom Online: help for the elderly in the digital world
Many elderly people can also use some help in the online world. Through the Welkom Online program, we offer workshops in community centers and libraries, together with the National Elderly Fund. VodafoneZiggo employees and volunteers from the Elderly Fund help the elderly with all their questions: is this app really from my grandchild? Can I click on this link? And which emails can I trust? Those who prefer to learn independently can get information and tips, and follow lessons on Welkomonline.nl. Additionally, the elderly can ask their digital questions during the digital walk-in hours at all VodafoneZiggo stores. From Tuesday to Friday, employees are available from 10:00 to 12:00 for personal assistance.
With Online Masters and Welcome Online, VodafoneZiggo is trying to help young and old safely get ahead in the digital world.