Themes of Digital Citizenship

Direct link to this video on YouTube

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) promotes being proactive and focusing on the Do’s instead of the Don’ts. This video (3:14) introduces three things you can do today as an educator to take action.

Introduction


Questions addressed are:

  • Everyone using the Internet or cell phone leaves a digital footprint that is part of their digital life. What should you know as an educator and teach your students about theirs?
  • What resources are available to help you teach, and your students to learn, about being positive digital citizens?

"Digital citizenship is the new “Citizenship” that connects us with people across time zones, distances, cultures, and locations. The digital tools are integrated into the life that we all live in and is the only way of living that is known by today’s students.

Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that digital tools are not what define Citizenship. It is how we interact and behave with others, such as through collaboration & communication, social-emotional like empathy and cultural competencies, problem-solving, perseverance, and personal responsibility. These skills are integral to how we engage with others and the world. However, digital tools such as the social media environment is the ocean that we all swim in and interact with others in our daily lives. Both the person and the environment are tightly intertwined and interdependent.” REMC Digital Citizenship Toolkit: What is Digital  Citizenship 

The following diagram is a Digital Citizenship poster available from the ISTE Digital Citizenship site that promotes being a Proactive, Empathic, and Responsible Citizen.

ISTE Digital Citizenship Poster

 

Common Sense Media recently published an article on 3 Ways to Make Digital Citzenship Part of Your Everyday Teaching.

The three tips identified and explained in the article are to:

  1. Highlight research and media-literacy skills using the S.E.A.R.C.H. Strategy

  2. Establish norms for communication in collaborative environments using tools such as OneNote, GoogleDrive, in groupwork projects.

  3. Model digital citizenship on social media through the use of online discussion tools such as TodaysMeet, BackchannelChat, or in a course management system.

Check out the new Digital Citizenship Implementation Guide provided by Common Sense Media (2020).

The following video from ISTE shares "The Top 3 Challenges of Teaching Digital Citizenship"

 

How does this all fit into this learning unit?

The second part of the Final Assignment asks you to create and commit yourself to a next step to take, and identify a specific area or question for further learning. Having goals for your future learning helps guide your focus, can motivate you, and can lead to greater satisfaction and success. The assignment is copied into the content block on the right side of this page.

Below is a selection of Teaching and Learning Resources that directly address Digital Citizenship. You are encouraged to take some time to look them over and identify a few lessons and resources that you can use to support different aspects of Digital Citizenship in your setting. Add the resources that spark your interest or you want to use in your classroom to your Learning and Reflection document.


REMC Digital Citizenship Toolkit

K-5 MiTechKids lessons for teachers

Grades 3-5: The FBI provides Safe Online Surfing modules for third through eighth graders.

Grades 5-9:  21things4students project-based Quests addressing Digital Citizenship

1. Basics Q8 Email Etiquette

5. Digital Footprint

6. Cyber Safety

7. Be Legal & Fair

14. Social Networking

9. Search Strategies Q5 Fake or Real News

20. Global Collaboration

K-12:  Common Sense Education Digital Citizenship Curriculum.

Google: Be Internet Awesome Game and Downloadable Curriculum

Continue on to the Digital Footprint

Identify ONE specific area or question for further exploration that you are passionate about as you refer to your Learning and Reflection document we suggested you create.

Start with your topic, add some questions and ideas you have, and links to one or more of the resources to explore further. Make a note of why you chose this particular theme or item to learn more about to review later.

While this learning unit touches the surface and the focus is on teaching and learning, you may find it intriguing to look at a larger scope of Themes and Factors in a Digital Life. Themes and Factors PPT (TO BE LINKED IN)

Suggested Elements for Your Learning Plan:

1. Create a document, or method to collect your ideas and resources for your learning journey (Google Keep, Microsoft OneNote, Spreadsheet, Bookmarking tool, Slides…)

2. Set a date on your calendar for when you plan to begin and then complete it, with a link to your learning plan.

3. Set a reminder on your calendar a week or two after your planned start.

4. Identify and invite a learning colleague, partner, or online social media group, or join a listserv to join you in your learning pursuits.

5. SHARE your ideas, questions, and resources with at least one other individual that can provide constructive feedback on your learning journey.

Addressing the ISTE-E and ISTE-EL (International Standards for Technology in Education - For Educators and Education Leaders)

ISTE-E

Leader

2b. Advocate for equitable access to educational technology, digital content and learning opportunities to meet the diverse needs of all students.

2c. Model for colleagues the identification, exploration, evaluation, curation and adoption of new digital resources and tools for learning.

3. Citizen

a. Create experiences for learners to make positive, socially responsible contributions and exhibit empathetic behavior online that build relationships and community.

b. Establish a learning culture that promotes curiosity and critical examination of online resources and fosters digital literacy and media fluency.

c. Mentor students in safe, legal and ethical practices with digital tools and the protection of intellectual rights and property.

d. Model and promote management of personal data and digital identity and protect student data privacy.

ISTE-EL standards target the knowledge and behaviors required for leaders to empower teachers and make student learning possible.

1. Equity and Citizenship Advocate

c. Model digital citizenship by critically evaluating online resources by engaging in civil discourse and using digital tools to contribute to positive social change

d. Cultivate responsible online behavior, including the safe, ethical and legal use of technology.

4. Systems Designer

c. Protect privacy and security by ensuring that students and staff observe effective privacy and data management practices.

5. Connected Learner

c. Use technology to regularly engage in reflective practices that support personal and professional growth.