Educating students about digital citizenship begins as soon as they have
access to technological devices. While student safety and digital citizenship
concerns first present themselves in my district at the Kindergarten level,
most students in my school have had access to devices prior to entering
Kindergarten. For this reason, I think teaching our kids about digital
citizenship begins at a very early age.
As their online activities and exposure change as they grow, their instruction
on Digital Citizenship should continue to evolve. With the many amazing
opportunities afforded by providing technology in the classroom, students,
teachers, and administrators also need to consider potential areas for the
technology to be misused. This is not only to ensure the technology is being
used to further learning goals, but also to protect students from dangers they
may encounter online. Parents play a huge role in helping students develop
their digital citizenship skills. Not only are they helping their children navigate
technology from an early age, they are also tasked with monitoring and mentoring
their children as technology use increases. Because so much technology is used
beyond the four walls of the classroom, it is also important for teachers and
parents to communicate with each other regarding technology use, and how
they are helping students learn the skills to be responsible digital citizens. In
my school, we utilize Common Sense Media to teach students about digital
citizenship in a grade level appropriate format.
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| Common Sense Media for Education |
This instruction extends beyond the classroom in notes sent home to families
to encourage conversation, and to educate parents about how their students
is learning about using technology appropriately and safely. The article by
Heather Wolpert-Gawron, The Importance of Internet Safety seems to explain
the importance of teaching students how to be safe online in a way parents are
already familiar with. With technology providing opportunities that may open our
children to risks, it is necessary for parents to be included in the education of
how we will protect the safety of our students when they are online both in the
classroom and at home.
The support of families and continued discussions both at home and at school
all help our students to create a safe online presence that enhances learning
and helps them become great digital citizens.The video included in the lesson,
as seen below, discusses how students are using technology in a way
that now helps them share who they are in the world. When it describes
“The power of building a digital footprint,” I think it conveys to students the importance
of making sure the footprint they create is being used well. By focusing on the
power each student holds to share their voice with the world, I think students
become engaged in learning how they can participate and create this part of their
identity in a way they are proud of.
to encourage conversation, and to educate parents about how their students
is learning about using technology appropriately and safely. The article by
Heather Wolpert-Gawron, The Importance of Internet Safety seems to explain
the importance of teaching students how to be safe online in a way parents are
already familiar with. With technology providing opportunities that may open our
children to risks, it is necessary for parents to be included in the education of
how we will protect the safety of our students when they are online both in the
classroom and at home.
The support of families and continued discussions both at home and at school
all help our students to create a safe online presence that enhances learning
and helps them become great digital citizens.The video included in the lesson,
as seen below, discusses how students are using technology in a way
that now helps them share who they are in the world. When it describes
“The power of building a digital footprint,” I think it conveys to students the importance
of making sure the footprint they create is being used well. By focusing on the
power each student holds to share their voice with the world, I think students
become engaged in learning how they can participate and create this part of their
identity in a way they are proud of.
Angie,
ReplyDeleteAs I read through your post I found many things that stuck out to me or that I agreed with. I always like reading posts from co-workers because even though we teach at the same school, we see different situations and learning in our different grade levels! It is interesting to see how the digital citizenship is carried on throughout the grades since I am lower elementary. I also use the common sense media website to find lessons and activities to teach my students. It makes it easy to do and relevant. I also try to make sure that families know what we have been talking about with digital citizenship at school so that they, too, can practice these lessons in real life. I like that you included a video about the power of a digital footprint. What a powerful and important message for students to hear; especially as they get older and have more access and use of different social medias and online forums. Thanks for sharing!