The Case of The Digital Phantom

Mission

James Bond has nothing on an OSB Agent and now the OSB (Online Safety Bureau) are looking to recruit their next generation of agents.

To test whether your pupils have what it takes they'll be tasked with unmasking the Digital Phantom and only the most digitally savvy will succeed.

The Case of The Digital Phantom is a fun online challenge full of puzzles and activities designed to cement learning from both the computing and PSHE curricula and helping pupils stay safe in the digital world.

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Teacher's Notes

Preparing children and young people for a world which involves high levels of digital interaction has increased the importance of online safety learning. The Case of the Digital Phantom is a challenge which places students in the midst of an exciting adventure and uses escape room-style puzzles along with a wide range of media types to enthrall children whilst helping embed learning.

By using engaging and relatable characters, appropriate language and a variety of tasks, information and puzzles, the activities come together to allow the children to work through a series of challenges relevant to online safety. The style of puzzles will enable the children to get a feel for some of the real-world risks and challenges in a safe, protected environment, appropriate for their age.

In addition, the use of gamification, pretend social media, simulated messaging apps, as well as newspaper articles, YouTube videos and other creative content, will help to create a robust internal framework as the basis for a lifetime of responsible citizens in an increasingly digital world.

Year 5 / ages 9 - 10 years:

For this age group the resource is best used as a teacher-led activity. That said, it's intuitive design will that children are unlikely to have any problems following the route through the puzzles. Teachers can bring the class together to discuss elements relating to the key issues covered in each task before transitioning between puzzles.

Year 6 / ages 10 - 11 years:

A brilliant classroom tool designed to celebrate and embed learning of the whole school online safety curriculum. This activity encourages the use of softer skills such as teamwork, communication and problem solving, as well as comprehension, observation and previously taught knowledge.

Year 7 / ages 11-12 years:

A self-led adventure, which will subtly embed key learning regarding online safety. This resource uses a range of media with which year 7's will likely have full familiarity. A perfect introduction to either PSHE or computing lessons on transition to secondary school.

What classroom set-up is required?

We recommend that pupils work in groups of 2-4, less is more and a group of 3 enables everyone to see the screen with ease. Each group will require an internet connected device - our challenges are optimised for Chromebooks but work well across tablets and computers. In addition, a pen or pencil and a set of pre-printed worksheets. Some of the videos have sound or dialogue though headphones are not required.

Other than laptops or tablets, what resources are required?

A full set of work sheets is required for each team. This includes 10 single-sided sheets of A4. The sheets can be printed in colour or black and white without spoiling the experience and can be printed double-sided though we'd recommend drawing attention to this if you do as we find many pupils forget to turn over their page.

How long does the activity take?

The full activity takes around 90 minutes to complete, however it can be split across two or more lessons and, so long as each group retain their paperwork, they can return to the section of the activity they have reached in subsequent lessons. This is particularly helpful if you want to expand the learning by including class discussions at the end of each puzzle.

Can I see a sample?

Sure, just drop us a message on our contact page and we'll be in touch.

Mr G. Stone, Deputy Head, Yarm Prep School

It ticks all of the boxes in terms of what we cover. As a safe way of testing their critical thinking skills, this is perfect. We look forward to seeing the escape room concept branch into other areas of the school curriculum - it is that powerful.

Amelie, age 10

"I loved this and would want to do it every day!!!"

Aditi, age 11

"I enjoyed this escape room very much because it was SOO fun! I liked watching the hacker video because he (or she) was quite funny."

Harriet, year 6

"I enjoyed it because it was different to normal lessons and it was so fun! I learned that not everyone is kind online. I enjoyed the whole thing."

Freddie, age 11

"I enjoyed it because it was really cool with all the information and it felt like an actual spy movie doing these tasks."