Tool # 11 Practicing good digital citizenship

Discuss at least three things you would want to make sure your students understand about being good digital citizens. Explain briefly how you would "teach" the idea of digital citizenship to your
students.

1. Safety and Security- I think kids do need to know that passwords should be private and not shared. They need to know to tell their parents/teacher if they see something that upsets them. Even though some websites look interesting and fun, they do need to check before visiting. I did find this great website to show our kids before starting our new technology. It suggests viewing as a class and could be downloaded at home as well free. I loved it!

http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/

2. Digital etiquette- I think kids need to understand what is said in text or social situations might be misunderstood or seen by others. I think they need learn to be respectful to each other as well. But of course, we must model proper digital etiquette ourselves. They must always be nice to people they talk to on the internet. Being mean is not COOL!



3. Digital Literacy- I think our children need know when and how to use technology. They need to be instructed on appropriate and inappropriate uses. I think this is vital for our kids to get the most out what we are trying to teach them.

I believe with all of the technology coming into our schools, we as teachers have a responsibility to teach students to use technology in a responsible manner.




I did find these great contracts/pledges for kids and parents:

http://digitalcitizenship.net/uploads/ParentContract.pdf

http://digitalcitizenship.net/uploads/KidPledge1.pdf