Digital Etiquette for Teenagers Program Conducted at Swedish High School, Balder

In November 2024, CODA conducted the first Digital Etiquette for Teenagers program abroad at Balder High School (Baldergymnasiet). The program consisted of various courses with students from first year to third year.

Balder High School has students of various nationalities from in and outside the country. Students learned the basics of copyright and about the creative world using quizzes and group discussions.

What were your impressions of the Digital Etiquette for Teenagers program?

(Student Impressions)

"I knew about copyright from the internet, but through the lesson I learned about it properly for the first time. The framework of public domain was particularly interesting. I knew that anyone could used a creators work after a set number of years had passed since their death, but I didn't know the exact number of years.

It was also the first time I though about whether AI content was protected by copyright. I have seen many people debate this issue on social media, but I hadn't formed my own opinion. I simply thought that something artificially made wouldn't need copyright. However, I learned that the people who input the prompt are human, and there are other perspectives and ways of thinking."

Impressions from Students (Excerpts)

• "I knew about copyright from looking at social media and YouTube at home, but learning that something automatically becomes procted by copyright the second it is made was interesting."
• "It was interesting learning that even a child's drawing is protected by copyright. I had no idea up until now."
• "I understood that copyright is for protecting your creations such as artworks, but it was new to me that copyright comes into effect the second you make something. I thought it was good that poems or art you make is protected by copyright. It was also interesting learning that copyright disapears 70 years after the creator's death."
• "I think how society treats conepts like individuality other philosphical aspects is connected to discussions about AI art."
• "All of the content was good, but the quiz was particularly interesting. I learned something new and it was easy to understand."

Impressions from the Lead Teacher

Through this lesson, I think many students realized that copyright is relevant to all of us. Swedish society tends to be strongly individualistic, but putting yourself in someone else's shoes is the first step to fostering empathy. And for that reason it is very important to experience becoming a creator.

We had an opportunity to considering the possibility of AI tools instead of just labeling them as "bad," from a creative perspective. AI can also be a tool to capture creativity.

Consider making something yourself and thinking about how you would like copyright to take effect as a way to foster an empathetic perspective. For example, let students decide how the teacher can use students submitted works. Introducing such processes might be good. By repeating this, students will naturally deepen their understanding of copyright, making good practice for fostering a creative perspective.

Up until now, I had not conducted a lesson on copyright, but in modern society and with the spread of AI technology, I think an opportunity to learn about AI is increasingly important. In this program, I was surprised in a very good way. With not only an explanation of copyright, but also group discussion, excercises, and video, it was easy to understand and students were actively engaged. I thought it was impressive that students realized that everyone who take part in creative activities is involved in copyright and it is a relevant theme to all of us. When I usually plan lessons, I try and take a creative perspective, but if I had the relevant tools and skills I think I would like to make a similar program. I don't have any suggestions on how to improve the program, but if you ask me I would like you to make a part two expansion. I think it would expand on the content of the first lesson and give students and opportunity for hands on, significant learning.