Learn, Create, Connect
News and Updates from the MASD Technology Integration Committee
Wed., Oct. 24, 2018
Digital Citizenship Across the Curriculum
Digital Learning Transfer Goal #2 - Digital Citizen
Students recognize the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of living, learning, and working in an interconnected digital world, and they act and model in ways that are safe, legal, and ethical.
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "digital citizenship"? Chances are you think of things like copyright, cyberbullying, Internet safety - and those are all elements of digital citizenship. But are they really all that different from being a good citizen in the "real" world? Copyright is about respecting the work of others. Cyberbullying is bullying. The principles of staying safe online are just an extension of what we do to stay safe in the physical world. Are there new skills and strategies to learn? Sure. But considering how much time our students spend online, we can't leave the idea of digital citizenship as an isolated topic that's only taught in the library or Computer class or maybe during a research unit in ELA. Just as we all teach and model good citizenship skills for our students everyday, it's important that we all teach and model those same skills when our students are interacting online. Many of you are already leading the charge on this, but the results of our BrightBytes survey tell us we still have room to grow in this area. If you are interested in learning more about how you can integrate digital citizenship in your classroom, this month's edition of Learn, Create, Connect will focus on ideas and resources teachers can use in any content area to promote and reinforce responsible citizenship for students from K-12 anytime they're participating in the online world. The content areas are listed in alphabetical order; scroll down to find yours. (And just a note, I didn't forget BCIT and Library. I intentionally left them off this list, as digital citizenship is an explicit part of what they teach every day.)
Art
- Reinforce digital etiquette by having students comment on classmates' online art portfolios.
- Teach students to use Creative Commons to license their artwork when they share it online. They determine who can use it and under what conditions.
Counseling
- Help students navigate the emotional side of social media using resources from Common Sense Media.
- When working with families, make them aware of opportunities for affordable Internet access in the community.
ELA/Reading
- Teach and require students to use Creative Commons Search or the advanced features in a Google Images search to find media that is licensed for reuse when they're creating presentations for class.
- Help students add to their digital footprint by making assignments that have them share their creativity and hard work online.
Family and Consumer Science
- Teach students about safe habits for making online purchases.
- Discuss ways to safeguard personal financial information when using online banking sites.
Health, Safety, and Physical Education
- Engage students in discussions about data collection and privacy related to "wearables" and fitness apps.
- Discuss healthy boundaries for screen time at various ages.
Math
- Elementary students can survey their classmates about how much time they spend engaged in various online activities and then create a class graph. Follow-up discussions can lead to conversations on balancing screen time with other activities.
- Secondary math students can explore the math behind how companies use the data they collect from our online activities to influence our shopping habits.
Music
- Teach students about digital downloads and respect for intellectual property of artists with resources made possible by the Recording Industry Association of America.
- Show students how to use Creative Commons to license their original music when they share it online.
Science
- Discuss the privacy implications of online DNA testing and other issues surrounding sharing medical information online.
- Model and practice respectful online communications during video chats with scientists and other experts.
Social Studies
- Encourage students to search for and use primary sources that are in the public domain.
- Give students opportunities to participate in online communities with others from diverse backgrounds.
Technology Education
- Ensure that students respect intellectual property when creating apps and websites. Use Creative Commons Search or the advanced features in a Google Images search to find media that is licensed for reuse.
- Discuss respect for intellectual property when using tools such as 3D printers, laser or vinyl cutters, or other fabrication machines to create something "new".
World Languages
- Give students opportunities to participate in online communities with others who speak the target language, modeling and reinforcing positive interactions with others.
- When learning about etiquette in other cultures, include discussion about the use of smartphones and other technology.