> [!warning] Important Notice: >The awards and achievements described herein are currently under development and should be considered preliminary. The details provided are intended to serve as examples of what we aim to offer. Please note that these descriptions are subject to change as we continue to refine and enhance our award offerings. # Technology with a Concentration in Policy ### Preamble The intersection of technology and policy is crucial for shaping the digital landscape, particularly in the area of cybersecurity. The "Technology with a Concentration in Policy" award empowers cadets to understand how technological decisions are influenced by and can influence policy-making. This award series is designed to introduce young cadets to the basics of cybersecurity, illustrating how policies can protect digital information and systems from cyber threats. By progressing through this module, cadets will develop a foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles and recognize the role of policy in safeguarding digital infrastructures. The activities and projects are designed to instill a sense of responsibility and equip cadets with the skills necessary to navigate and contribute to the future of digital security. --- ![[Technology-Policy.png]] ### **First Achievement (Age 11-13)** *Objective:* Introduce basic concepts of cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of digital safety and the impact of policy on technological security. **Duration:** 30-60 days **Tasks and Assignments:** - [ ] **Introduction to Cybersecurity:** - [ ] Attend a beginner’s workshop or webinar on cybersecurity basics, learning about common threats such as viruses, malware, and phishing. - [ ] Interactive activity: Participate in a simulated phishing detection exercise to understand how to identify and avoid common cyber threats. - [ ] **Digital Citizenship and Safe Internet Use:** - [ ] Complete an online course on digital citizenship, focusing on secure internet habits and the importance of maintaining digital privacy. - [ ] Project: Create a digital poster or a short video that teaches other students about safe internet practices. - [ ] **Understanding Cybersecurity Policies:** - [ ] Learn about basic policies and regulations that govern internet safety and data protection (e.g., Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act - COPPA). - [ ] Discussion: Join a class debate on the importance of cybersecurity policies and how they can protect us online. - [ ] **Password Security Workshop:** - [ ] Participate in a workshop to learn about the creation and management of strong passwords. - [ ] Activity: Use an online tool to create a strong password for a mock account and learn how to manage passwords securely. - [ ] **Capstone Project:** - [ ] Develop a simple cybersecurity guide for peers that covers topics learned, including tips on detecting phishing emails, creating strong passwords, and understanding the basics of cybersecurity policies. - [ ] Present the guide at a school assembly or publish it on the school’s website to educate others. **Evaluation:** - Completion of all tasks will be monitored and signed off by designated instructors. - The capstone project will be evaluated based on the comprehensiveness of the information, creativity, and the ability to communicate effectively to an audience. --- ![[Technology-Policy (5).png]] ![[Technology-Policy (4).png]] ![[Technology-Policy (3).png]] ### **Second Achievement (Age 14-15)** *Objective:* Expand knowledge of data privacy laws and explore their practical implications in technology development and use. **Duration:** 60-90 days **Tasks and Assignments:** - [ ] **Introduction to Data Privacy Laws:** - [ ] Attend a series of workshops or online courses focusing on major data privacy laws like GDPR (EU General Data Protection Regulation) and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act). - [ ] Group Assignment: Analyze different case studies where these laws have affected technology companies. - [ ] **Understanding Data Protection Techniques:** - [ ] Learn about encryption, anonymization, and other data protection methods through interactive tutorials. - [ ] Hands-on Activity: Encrypt and decrypt sample data using basic software tools to understand how data protection works in practice. - [ ] **Role of Policy in Technology Development:** - [ ] Participate in discussions or webinars led by experts on the integration of data privacy laws into technology development. - [ ] Collaborative Project: Design a hypothetical app that complies with specific data privacy laws, detailing how the app addresses legal requirements. - [ ] **Ethical Implications of Data Collection:** - [ ] Engage in a debate or discussion forum about the ethical considerations of data collection and surveillance technologies. - [ ] Essay: Write a reflective essay on the impact of data privacy laws on user trust and technological innovation. - [ ] **Capstone Project:** - [ ] Develop a comprehensive presentation or report on how businesses can effectively implement data privacy laws while continuing to innovate. - [ ] Present findings to a panel of instructors or at a student conference to showcase understanding and application of data privacy in technology. **Evaluation:** - Completion of each task will be rigorously monitored and documented. - The capstone project will be critically assessed based on depth of analysis, creativity in problem-solving, and clarity of presentation. --- ![[Technology-Policy (2).png]] ![[Technology-Policy (1).png]] ![[Technology-Policy 1.png]] ### **Third Achievement (Age 16-17)** *Objective:* Develop an in-depth understanding of how various forms of legislation influence technological advances and the implications for developers, consumers, and policymakers. **Duration:** 90-120 days **Tasks and Assignments:** - [ ] **Advanced Study of Technology Legislation:** - [ ] Enroll in an advanced seminar series focusing on current and emerging technology laws worldwide, such as intellectual property rights, antitrust regulations, and digital privacy laws. - [ ] Research Assignment: Conduct a detailed study on a recent legislation case affecting technology and prepare a case study analysis. - [ ] **Legislation Simulation Exercise:** - [ ] Participate in a legislative simulation where cadets assume roles as lawmakers, lobbyists, and technology experts to debate and shape legislation on a controversial technology issue (e.g., AI ethics, data privacy, drone regulation). - [ ] Reflective Journal: Keep a journal documenting the legislative process, personal role, challenges faced, and insights gained during the simulation. - [ ] **Impact Analysis of Legislation on Technology Innovation:** - [ ] Analyze how specific laws have helped or hindered technological innovations in various sectors such as healthcare, finance, and telecommunications. - [ ] Group Project: Develop a presentation or white paper proposing amendments to an existing law to better support technological innovation without compromising public safety or ethical standards. - [ ] **Engagement with Policy Makers:** - [ ] Arrange meetings or video conferences with real-world policymakers, legal experts, or technology entrepreneurs to discuss the future of technology legislation. - [ ] Policy Proposal: Draft a policy proposal addressing a significant technological issue, informed by insights from these discussions. - [ ] **Capstone Project:** - [ ] Create a comprehensive report or documentary that outlines the role of legislation in shaping technology over the past decade and its potential future impacts. - [ ] Public Presentation: Present the capstone project at a school symposium, community forum, or online platform, highlighting key findings and recommendations for policymakers and technology developers. **Evaluation:** - Cadets’ performance in tasks and their engagement in discussions will be continuously evaluated. - The capstone project will be judged on its depth of research, analytical rigor, creativity, and practicality in addressing real-world issues. --- ### Policy Revision History | Revised On: | Revised By: | Revision Notes: | | ----------- | ----------- | ---------------------- | | 05/05/2024 | M. 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