Loved the CoolCatTeacher post on digital citizenship. Too often we think of this in terms of safety and etiquette, but it has a literacy component, as well. Double checking sources, cross-referencing facts, using multiple sources to confirm facts...we all assume that kids know to do these things, but the sad reality is that most adults google a topic, and use information from the first site that pops up on the search results.
We have to start early in teaching these concepts of digital citizenship, and continue to review and reinforce them as kids advance through school.
I loved the Brainpop videos on this topic. I really appreciate the way the concept is broken into smaller, discrete ideas. I am very familiar with this site, and can see using this resource over the course of the school year.
Cybersmart Kids has great videos on various citizenship topics that are fun and engaging for kids. Using humor and familiar objects (like Legos) will keep children interested while relaying important information about digital etiquette.
I think the instruction of digital citizenship is an ongoing process, and you'd teach it in stages, as the need arose with your students. Obviously, situations are going to come up when your students get more than they can handle when surfing the 'net. You use those teachable moments as the they come. We also need to be sure to be positive examples of digital citizenship to our students.
We are fortunate to work in a district that understands the importance of this topic. Parents and students sign an agreement to abide by the district's online guidelines, and hopefully understand the consequences for not following the guidelines. In addition, I plan to spend time discussing online citizenship at back to school night so that parents will understand my expectations for their children while working online at school.
Great insight on Digital Citizenship. I'm thinking this will become a schoolwide focus for the next few years!
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