Citizenship can be described in many ways. At first thought most people define citizenship as belonging to a country or state. The definition of citizenship is not limited to this simplified definition. For this particular section we will refer to digital citizenship as the continuously development of appropriate, responsible, and empowered technology use. Often times we see students misuse technology. It is a schools responsibility to educate their students about awareness of safety/privacy rights, appropriate behavior and use of technology, and raise awareness to cyber bullying and its impacts to people. Below are some videos that can be shown to students to help explain these concepts.
Safety and Privacy:
How can students understand why we are asking them to do something if no one explains the consequences. Many times parents and teachers just tell students not to do things when they are using technology. Without an explanation they wont understand the importance. When using technology in your classroom you need to ensure the safety of your students. If you are using things like computers you should be able to see all computer screens and monitor what the students are actually doing. A teacher shouldn't be afraid to check the history on a computer if a student is hurry to close a browser or is acting suspicious. YOU COULD LOSE YOUR JOB if students constantly access inappropriate sites. It would be beneficial to create a digital contract for students to sign so they understand what type of behavior is expected when they are using technology. Click this hyper link for a great example of a pledge contract you could use in your classroom. Be proactive when preparing to use technology in your classroom. Set up a list of sites or bookmark things students can use instead of allowing them to conduct free searches. Don't simply rely on site-blockers. Our students are smart and will find ways around these blocks. Make sure you are teaching your students the importance of privacy online. There are criminals that are out there looking for naïve people to prey on and get their information. Teach students how to legitimize websites and how they should not put any information online that could be stolen. Also be aware of types of malware that can effect your students technology. Here is a site that breaks down types of malware to be aware of.
Appropriate Online Behavior:
The most is important to keep in mind when loading things to the internet is anything you post will remain online forever. You may think you have deleted the post however, the internet if filled with hundreds backups. These backups store tons of information across hundreds of different servers that get collected by different companies and corporations. You should refer to the golden rule when debating on what to post on the internet (do to others what you would like done to you). In online terms think only post things about others that you would like them to post about you, and remember, there really is no anonymity on the Internet. Also exclude posting things that can reveal to much personal information about yourself or others. When posting things on the internet or participating in online chats keep in mind that written/typed communication if devoid of key communication aids (such as: facial expressions, body languages, and tone). This can lead to miscommunication errors to occur.
Cyber bullying:
Like anything in this world bullying has evolved with our changing world. Bullying has taken to the internet. Bullying online is referred to as cyber bullying. The more human beings advance in technology, the more tools a bully has. cyber bullying in ways is easier to identify however, the identity of the aggressor can be more difficult to pen down with nonspecific usernames. If you are going to use technology in the classroom, you need to understand as much as you can about cyber bullying. In many states, including Kentucky, there are laws in place that requires teachers to intervene when cyber bullying occurs during school time, events, or with school owned equipment. Stop bullying is a site also has a lot of information pertaining to bullying. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the site, focusing most on the sections on cyber bullying and prevention
Standard 3a
Standard 3b
Standard 3c
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Create experiences for learners to make positive, socially responsible contributions and exhibit empathetic behavior online that build relationships and community.
Establish a learning culture that promotes curiosity and critical examination of online resources and fosters digital literacy and media fluency
Mentor students in safe, legal and ethical practices with digital tools and the protection of intellectual rights and property.