Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Sociology
Lesson Topic: The impact of the new media
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe key concepts of new media such as convergence, algorithmic gatekeeping, network society and digital divide.
  • Explain how ownership structures and control mechanisms differ between traditional and new media.
  • Analyse the sociological impacts of new media on political participation, cultural representation and social relationships.
  • Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of new media using case‑study evidence.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Laptop with internet access
  • PowerPoint slides covering key concepts and tables
  • Handout with traditional vs. new media comparison table
  • Printed excerpts of case studies (Facebook election, BBC iPlayer vs Netflix, hashtag movements)
  • Whiteboard and markers
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video clip of a trending hashtag and ask students which platforms they use daily. Connect this to their prior knowledge of traditional media ownership and control. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe how new media reshape ownership, control, and societal impacts.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students list three media platforms they use and note the owning company.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present key concepts and the shift in ownership/control using slides.
  3. Group analysis (15'): Teams examine the comparison table and answer guided questions about ownership, control mechanisms and revenue models.
  4. Case‑study investigation (15'): Each group analyses one case study, identifies ownership, control mechanisms and sociological impact, then shares findings.
  5. Whole‑class debate (10'): Discuss advantages versus disadvantages, focusing on algorithmic bias and the digital divide.
  6. Exit ticket (5'): Students write one advantage, one disadvantage and a brief personal reflection.
Conclusion:
Recap how new media have transformed ownership patterns and introduced algorithmic control, highlighting both empowerment and new forms of inequality. Review the exit‑ticket responses to consolidate understanding. For homework, assign a short essay comparing traditional and new media ownership and asking students to locate a recent digital campaign to discuss in the next lesson.