Digital Citizenship Online Course Goals:

After completion of a six-week module online course, students will have the ability to demonstrate skills of digital citizenship and online safety. In addition, students will be capable of utilizing digital tools safely and successfully, in order to analyze, problem solve, and communicate learning.

Required Texts and Reading

All required course readings and materials will be available online within the site which is linked in Google Classroom. This site lists the five module instruction.

Required Software

All software is currently available at the Middle School labs and public library. Listed is the suggested software required in any other area you wish to access this course.

• A good anti-virus software
• Google Drive
• Web browsers recommendation: Google Chrome
• Flash players (Free)
• Quick Time (Free)

Required Hardware

You will have the hardware requirements available to you in the computer lab. For course access from home, you will need a computer with speakers and high speed Internet. Be sure all software and hardware are updated frequently.

Grades

Each assignment will be graded based on the criteria listed in the rubric provided with the assignment. You can check your class progress by checking your grades in Google Classroom.

Your final grade will be based on the following scale:

• A 900-1000
• B 800-899
• C 700-799
• D 650-699
• F 649 and below

Course Expectations

This course is divided into five modules. Expect to spend your entire computer lab classes, as well as 2-3 hours of your own time to meet course requirements. The amount of time needed will be based upon your computer background skills, and familiarity with the assigned web tools. If you have not utilized computers for games or social activities at home, expect to spend more time completing all the elements of this course.

Each assignment and module requires different levels of interactivity. However, to avoid frustration, each module is consistent with one new learning tool and discussion. This course is highly interactive through discussions and collaboration with peers, while providing students with the learning tools required for appropriate digital citizenship, as well as the prior experience for future online learning courses.

Communication with the instructor and classmates can be accomplished through e-mail, hangouts, and discussion posts. I have also provided a link to our Google Group, which is a place for all classmates to meet and socialize with discussions not necessarily pertaining to the course. Consider it a place all your own to discuss any area of interest. This Group is to be used when work is completed and a place to practice your newly learned online netiquette.

I will also provide face-to-face discussion times throughout the week during our in-class lab time.

National Standards Addressed

National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S)

Digital Citizenship: Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.

1. Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology
2. Exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity
3. Demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning
4. Exhibit leadership for digital citizenship

Creativity and Innovation: Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.

1. Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes
2. Create original works as a means of personal or group expression
3. Use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues
4. Identify trends and forecast possibilities

Late Assignments

There are various situations that arise that may cause an assignment to be submitted late. The solution will be at the discretion of the instructor. Therefore, it is important that you contact me immediately if this situation arises. No more than one late assignment will be permitted during this cycle of the online course.

Advanced Copies of Assignments

Assignments will not be handed out in advance unless the instructor and the student agree there is no other solution to an extreme situation. Please contact me for more information, if necessary.

Academic Honesty

This course is considered part of the our school's curriculum. Therefore, you must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct, which can be found at our Guidance Department and in the Student Handbook you received at the initial school enrollment, and on our district website.

According to these guidelines, cheating is unacceptable and will be considered terms for disciplinary action. Any student caught cheating will receive an immediate F in the class as part of our no tolerance rule. All course work must be the original thoughts and creations of the student, giving appropriate credit to any resources used. Projects or assignments previously used by the student or another student, cannot be used in this course. Images and media, as well as text, must be cited in the resources area of the student project. Be sure they are of fair use. We will be learning how to search appropriately for copyright protection.

Any event of academic dishonesty will be immediately reported to the school guidance and principal’s office and appropriate action will be taken.