Blog #3 Digital Citizenship

Who is a Digital Citizen?

If you are reading this blog, then YOU are! Now more than ever technology is everywhere we go, we carry it in our pockets and its in our classrooms. As teachers we use our online communities to connect with other educators to enhance, extend and enrich our lessons.

Why is being a Digital Citizen important?

You may be thinking that students in your classrooms are too young to have digital footprint, however, many kids have a digital footprint before they even start school! Having technology readily available is an amazing opportunity. With each wonderful opportunity a child is given there is a need to teach a responsibility.

According to Mike Ribble District Administrator for the Ogden-Manhattan School District in Kansas:

"Digital citizenship focuses on using technology in an appropriate way while enjoying its vast capabilities and becoming more productive."

Digital Citizenship in Schools, 2nd Ed., identifies three main categories—respect, education and protection (or REP)—to guide the use of technology in schools, at home and in the community. These are broken down in three ways and a total of nine underlying areas of focus:

Respect: Digital etiquette, access and the law.
Educate: Digital communication, literacy and commerce.
Protect: Digital rights and responsibilities, safety and security, and health and wellness.
A great way to start teaching digital citizenship through Google apps, such as Google Docs or Google Slides. Using these apps is a safe way for students to work with others on a project that is monitored by the teacher. Using these apps also are a great way for students to navigate the internet while collaborating with a group.

How would I use this?
I would use these apps as a tool to teach Digital Citizenship while simultaneously having the students present Social Study presentation on a group Google Slide about their state