Summary
This lesson delves into the world of dark patterns, teaching B2 level learners how websites and apps use manipulative design to make users take unintended actions. Through video, vocabulary exercises, and grammar practice, students will learn to recognize common dark patterns, understand their ethical implications, and discuss the importance of customer-centric design. The lesson aims to enhance critical awareness of online practices.
Activities
Students reflect on their personal online experiences with potentially manipulative website designs, fostering critical thinking about their digital interactions and how they are influenced.
Learners watch a video about dark patterns and answer comprehension questions to solidify their understanding of concepts like confirmshaming and roach motels.
Vocabulary is reinforced through matching exercises linking types of dark patterns (e.g., disguised ads, forced continuity) to their descriptions and analyzing manipulative language.
Grammar practice focuses on the passive voice, enabling students to describe design choices and their effects on users, followed by applying all learned concepts in a writing task.
Vocabulary focus
The vocabulary focus includes terms crucial for understanding deceptive online practices: dark patterns, coercing, confirmshaming, roach motel, disguised ads, forced continuity, sneak into basket, customer-centricity, sustainable, and loyal customer. This helps learners articulate how websites can manipulate users.
Grammar focus
This lesson concentrates on the passive voice (be + past participle). Students will practice transforming active sentences about design choices into the passive, emphasizing the user's experience rather than the designer. This skill is key to objectively discussing how online tactics affect individuals.
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