Information is available instantaneously with the refreshing of a “news feed.” Every week there are “fact checks” to help the general public distinguish between accurate and inaccurate information. As we approach the 2018-2019 school year, what does it mean for our incoming students (digital learners) to be responsible digital citizens?  How do we instill the qualities and characteristics of digital citizenship? How can we teach our students to critically think about the information they consume whether on social networks or by a simple Google search?

These are questions every educator should grapple with. Students must be given the necessary tools to navigate the murky waters of the internet. It is almost impossible to disconnect students from information presented on the web. Therefore, it becomes essential for educators to be at the forefront of building a foundational understanding of Digital Citizenship that extends into students’ everyday lives.

Recently, I completed a brief training through Google known as the Digital Citizenship and Safety Course. The course covered areas such as managing online reputation and internet privacy. The training was thorough and after completing the course, I gained access to the Be Internet Awesome Curriculum. As a Science and Applied Technology teacher,  I plan to begin the school year discussing Digital Citizenship while at the same time working with students to create a framework of what a digital citizen looks like.

It is essential for educators to empower students to critically think and engage in the digital world in a proactive, safe and positive way. I look forward to the year ahead! My next step is to dive into the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for teachers and students!

Published on LinkedIn: July 29th, 2018