Get Ready for Digital Citizenship Week: October 16-20

from JDJ from OpenClipArt.org

Technology is a part of all of our lives. Our students use digital tools at home and at school for a variety of purposes--to connect with friends, have fun, organize, and learn, to name a few. It up to us, as educators, to help them navigate the digital world and work to keep them safe. Any educator who uses technology as part of their instructional practices (therefore, all educators) must also teach digital citizenship. What does digital citizenship mean?

"Being a good digital citizen is more than learning your way around the web. It's about empowering your students with skills to think critically, behave safely, and participate responsibly online, allowing them to connect and collaborate in meaningful ways." ~https://www.commonsense.org

Take a look at standard 2 of ISTE's Standards for Students: 

from http://www.iste.org/standards/for-students

 Common Sense Media has some outstanding ideas and resources that can be used to teach digital citizenship. Take a look at Four Ways to Teach Digital Citizenship, broken down by grade levels: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12. There are short videos, discussion guides, and posters for the classroom. 

There is also a downloadable digital citizenship pledge that could be printed out and signed by students, and then posted in the classroom; get it on the Common Sense Media Website. 

All of theses resources are free and easy to implement.  Let's all do our part! 

Digital Citizenship Prezi

 Mr. Reed's 5th grade classroom at Walled Lake Elementary School recently had a "BYOD Day" (Bring Your Own Device).  As part of their learning for the day, the class had a lively discussion about digital citizenship, which resulted in the creation of a class Prezi presentation.  See it here, and be sure to watch the final video!

While students and teachers are anxious to integrate new learning tools into the classroom, taking the time to empower our students by giving them instruction in digital citizenship is critical.  Students must understand the consequences of being irresponsible using digital tools, as this could affect their futures.

Mr. Reed helped his students understand the importance of using technology responsibly in a perfect way. Instead of providing information by lecturing or presenting digital safety tips, his students were active participants in the process, which makes it more meaningful and relevant.  Way to go Mr. Reed and his class!