As a young person connected in a digital world, you know that social media plays a significant role in our everyday lives.
Social media allows people to connect, share ideas and content. Because not all sharing is positive, it is important for young people to value and uphold a positive digital footprint that speaks to who they are as responsible citizens in and outside of the classroom.
Watch the following video below of your Toronto Catholic District School student trustees Kathy and Keith as they reflect on their use of social media and their experience online.
Your digital footprint matters
In this video your TCDSB Student Trustees Kathy and Keith speak to the importance of a positive and responsible digital footprint.
Now that you have heard from your peers, reflect on any new learning you acquired. What did Kathy and/or Keith share that was interesting to you? Does their use of social media differ from yours?
Using Google Docs or a notebook, journal your thoughts. These thoughts will be revisited tomorrow.
As students in a Catholic school who are called to be Effective Communicators, it is important to recognize that your digital footprint does matter because it becomes a representation of yourself.
So, when using social media and other web-based communication applications, it is always important to think before you post and be part of a web experience that is respectful, positive and grounded in upholding human dignity.
Social media applications such as Instagram and Twitter can allow you to share God’s message of dignity all while sharing your voice and talent by connecting with others online. Through the use of social media, your digital footprint can begin to grow in a way that can deepen your learning experience beyond the school or classroom.
Read the following article: Why children should be taught to build a positive online presence
Using Google Docs or a notebook, journal what you have learned from the article. Why should children be taught to build a positive online presence? These thoughts will be revisited tomorrow.
An Effective communicator
An Effective Communicator invites students to follow Jesus’ lead as a listener who carefully understand Jesus' message and respond critically in the light of the gospels. Also, like Jesus who spoke to the masses, students are encouraged to share their message in a way relevant to their times.
Your story matters
In this video, TCSDB student Emmanuel Adegboyega speaks about his social justice efforts all while using social media as a mechanism to help influence change.
Thinking about your own digital footprint along with your own story and experiences, take the opportunity to share a bit about yourself with your teachers and classmates.
This will become part of your digital footprint as you begin to develop an online portfolio this school year.
Watch the video below.
Student Voice
In this video students from Chaminade College School reflect on the making of 1-minute Twitter documentary films. With the films, students were encouraged to share with one aspect of who they are as a person.
Now that you have a deeper understanding of why your digital footprint matters and how you can use social media to be an Effective Communicator, it's time to begin sharing part of your personal story.
Using the Show What You Know Student Choice Board share one critical aspect of yourself that you would like to celebrate and share with your teachers and peers. You can create a short audio recording, video, collage or photo presentation. Be creative. Showcase your God given gifts and talents.
Be prepared to share your ideas with your teacher and peers as formal classes begin next week.
Use a visual schedule, visual supports, and the first-then strategy to assist with organizing the day.
Support written text with visuals (pictures).
Check for understanding by asking your child to repeat instructions.
Give breaks when needed. Space activities during the day to provide for optimal participation. Use a visual timer to assist with task completion.
Use the Google Read and Write extension to have text read aloud or write for you.