I have spoken about digital citizenship before in this still young blog, but I’m going to broach the topic again because it is so important. Also it should be an ongoing conversation since student online interactions and the tools they use to engage online are constantly evolving according to digital trends. It’s not just about keeping safe online though. It’s important for students and parents to understand the internet can also be a powerful force for change. Check out these Pew Research Center statistics about the internet.
Here are some tips for parents and teachers on what to think about, to know, and to do.
So as we celebrate digital citizenship week, here are some ways to celebrate and teach appropriate digital citizenship.
Common Sense Education
This is my go to site for digital citizenship learning as their curriculum is incredibly comprehensive. Their curriculum covers topics for K-12 students across 8 categories. They offer a great deal of other services for parents and teachers as well that I have discussed in greater depth in Use Some Common Sense.
BrainPOP
In it’s commitment to making the online world better, BrainPOP now offers its digital citizenship materials for free to everyone. You can access the related movies, games, lesson plans, and other resources. They cover a range of topics across six pathways: living a positive digital life, learning about computer history, understanding how the internet functions, exhibiting online character, avoiding plagiarism, and verifying online information.
Google has created wonderful new platform for exploring online safety called Be Internet Awesome which covers security, digital etiquette, determining quality resources, and guiding children to have conversation with trusted adults when they encounter something questionable. Their resources include a 5-unit curriculum and a game called Interland that guides children through fun digital safety exercises.
Other Resources
ISTE Resources – One of the ISTE students standards is being a digital citizen. To aid in achieving that goal they provide a poster, infographic, resources, and books.
Nova Cybersecurity Lab – Play a game where you take a control of a company’s cybersecurity as they endure increasing cyber attacks.
The News Literacy Project – Teach your students news literacy and how to avoid and challenge ‘fake news’ through the Checkology virtual classroom.
What if, instead of avoiding social media in school altogether or focusing solely on the negative aspects, we teach students how to leverage it to connect in positive ways and build a digital footprint that reflects their best selves…
-Susan M Bearden
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