1. Introduction
Why Digital Citizenship? How important is it... really?
Activity 1a. Read the following (or watch a video or narrated presentation)
There are many beliefs about the purpose of education, but a common one is that it should prepare kids to be informed and engaged citizens, meaning they have the knowledge, skills, and mindsets to live and contribute to the communities of which they are a part. Further, many school vision statements speak to not only preparing students for post-secondary education and work/career pursuits (commonly known as "college and career readiness") but to also for life... so that they achieve personal success and, again, so that they can enrich their communities.
It's important to reflect on your own beliefs. Do you believe that the goal of education to prepare kids to thrive in the future, both inside and outside of the classroom? What is your personal view of education? Do you believe its purpose is to help kids thrive in the world within which they live? Do you believe that success is defined by more than just academics? Does your personal definition of success expand beyond classroom walls?
If the answer to those questions are yes, then the next thing we want to do is unpack that just a bit. When we think about what kids need to know and be able to do to thrive, we simply cannot ignore technology. Think about it. How successful can an individual be in post-secondary education without some competency using digital tools? What about work or career? What about life? In the past decade, technology and digital communication have become ubiquitous. Their presence has changed nearly every aspect of our lives... how we shop, how we stay in touch with friends, how we acquire our news, recipes, and advice. At work, we communicate with our colleagues, present ideas in person and afar, collaborate in online workspaces, and collect and analyze data. And the list goes on.
So... if we believe in preparing kids for a successful life, and we know that life is increasingly digital, then we must acknowledge the importance of considering digital participation.
Activity 1b. Watch the video
The following video provides even more context about the ever-evolving digital world we live in.
Activity 1c: Read the following; Consider "citizenship"
Now, let's think further about "citizenship." We'll go into more detail about what digital citizenship is and all that entails in the next section. But for now, consider that the term "digital citizenship" and its definition are based on the idea that we are inhabitants, or "citizens" of the digital society, and as such, we have rights and responsibilities to create and uphold the norms of responsible and ethical use. So, a simple definition of digital citizenship is, "safe, responsible, and ethical technology use."
Take another minute to reflect on the concept of digital citizenship. How important is it for students to understand and practice responsible technology use, aligned with their own values and goals? How does responsible and ethical technology use contribute to the overall goal of preparing students to thrive both inside and outside of the classroom?
If you believe, like me, that preparing students to be empowered, productive, and healthy participants of the digital world is absolutely essential for all, then you are on your way to developing a "why" around digital citizenship education. Digital citizenship becomes essential for all students, and not just a box that a school or district checks off as something that was "done." Schools who create a culture of digital citizenship will be preparing kids to thrive in our ever evolving, increasingly digital and connected world.
Activity 1d. Develop and Share Your "Why" for Digital Citizenship
What's your why? Can you articulate the importance of believe digital citizenship for today's learners?
You may accomplish this is a sentence or two. Or, it may require a full paragraph to express your thoughts.
Add your "why digital citizenship" statement to the (discussion board, pallet board, something community that goes into making a word cloud?
Also, write it in your workbook
Go to section 2 for more information about what it means to be information literate.
Now, let's think further about "citizenship." We'll go into more detail about what digital citizenship is and all that entails in the next section. But for now, consider that the term "digital citizenship" and its definition are based on the idea that we are inhabitants, or "citizens" of the digital society, and as such, we have rights and responsibilities to create and uphold the norms of responsible and ethical use. So, a simple definition of digital citizenship is, "safe, responsible, and ethical technology use."
Take another minute to reflect on the concept of digital citizenship. How important is it for students to understand and practice responsible technology use, aligned with their own values and goals? How does responsible and ethical technology use contribute to the overall goal of preparing students to thrive both inside and outside of the classroom?
If you believe, like me, that preparing students to be empowered, productive, and healthy participants of the digital world is absolutely essential for all, then you are on your way to developing a "why" around digital citizenship education. Digital citizenship becomes essential for all students, and not just a box that a school or district checks off as something that was "done." Schools who create a culture of digital citizenship will be preparing kids to thrive in our ever evolving, increasingly digital and connected world.
Activity 1d. Develop and Share Your "Why" for Digital Citizenship
What's your why? Can you articulate the importance of believe digital citizenship for today's learners?
You may accomplish this is a sentence or two. Or, it may require a full paragraph to express your thoughts.
Add your "why digital citizenship" statement to the (discussion board, pallet board, something community that goes into making a word cloud?
Also, write it in your workbook
Go to section 2 for more information about what it means to be information literate.