Harness the Power of Technology: The Path to Digital Citizenship Tech Forum May 2, 2014 Boston

1

2 What can we do to develop our students into strong digital citizens?

What we’ll discuss in the next 20 minutes…

What does it mean to be a good digital citizen?

Image:  chrishogg.me  

"In  this  increasingly  global  world  of  informa6on,  students  must  be  taught  to  seek  diverse  perspec6ves,  gather  and  use  informa6on  ethically,  and  use  social  tools  responsibly  and  

safely."  American  Associa1on  of  School  Librarians  Standards  for  the  21st  Century  Learner  

What can we do to help kids be safe, smart, and

responsible participants in a digital world?

Develop and Communicate Policies 1 2 Educate Teachers

4 Engage Families

4 Paths to Digital Citizenship

3 Empower Students

Develop and Communicate Policies

Clearly outlines expectations for how community members will behave with technology Tips: •  Research whether your state has an AUP that your district/school can use

or adapt •  Create a committee of stakeholders to write it •  Open with your vision/philosophy/mission •  Make connections to existing code of conduct policies (or other) •  Define clearly what is acceptable and unacceptable •  Include strong undertones of shared responsibility and ownership •  Delineate the need for safety and privacy •  Outline consequences of violating rules/regs •  Consider whether to add any disclaimers •  Consider whether you need to add info about additional compliance •  Include place for ALL stakeholders to sign and date

Develop a Strong AUP, Communicate it with Stakeholders and Refer to it Often

Educate Teachers

Build key competencies:

•  Discuss teachers’ hopes and fears as they relate to students’ digital lives and how to address both

•  Ensure understanding of relevant digital literacy and

citizenship (DC&L) topics and how to teach students

•  Outline school plan and vision •  Help teachers think through ways to engage families

Support Robust Teacher PD

Jeff  Brain,  Teacher,    Del  Mar  Middle  School    

Empower Students

•  Determine the 5 W’s of teaching students key DC&L topics

•  Take a balanced approach (not dictating or using

fear)

•  Use authentic, realistic scenarios students can relate to as a jumping point for ethical decision-making

•  Encourage positive, creative uses of digital media

Incorporate digital literacy and citizenship curriculum

Engage Families

•  Develop ways to involve & communicate with families

•  Adopt an open door policy

•  Foster community dialogue •  Provide concrete information & materials

Family Engagement Tips

Questions? Contact Tali Horowitz:

thorowitz@commonsense.org 212-315-2674

@TaliCSM @graphite