Becoming a Responsible Digital Citizen

One Elective or Connections Course

Instructor: Mrs. Teri Lance, M.A. in Middle Grades Education, pursuing Ed.S. in Instructional Technology, 6th grade teacher at C.W. Davis Middle School in Hall County, GAContact Email: teri.lance@hallco.orgContact Phone: (770) 965-3020 ext 1069

Resources:

• Online Resources: The majority of our course readings will be online texts that are open access.

Course Description:

This nine week course is designed to familiarize students with the elements of Digital Citizenship. In addition, the course will help them to explore how these elements can and should affect their actions and decisions as they interact in the digital world. Throughout this course the student will gain an understanding of the importance of Digital Citizenship and its value.

Goals:

1. To research and be able to articulate the nine elements of Digital Citizenship.

2. To apply Digital Citizenship skills in their interactions online.

Objectives:

1. The student will study, examine, and explore the specifics of the nine elements of Digital Citizenship.

2. The student will present and explain the concepts of Digital Citizenship to peers.

3. The student will demonstrate critical thinking in relation to current technology practices.

4. The student will explore and develop plans for applying Digital Citizenship to daily interactions.

Assessments & Assignments:

Discussion postings

Personal Blog

Interaction Activities for Digital Citizenship Elements

Digital Citizenship Element Presentation

Evaluation of School’s Acceptable Use Policy

School Plan for Digital Citizenship Implementation

Instructor and student interaction expectations:

• The student is expected to log into the class a minimum of four times weekly. The student should contribute to class discussions, work diligently to meet deadlines, and participate in groups work in a professional, timely, and effective manner. The student is expected to keep the teacher informed of questions or issues that may hinder performance in advance of deadlines (at least 12 hours prior). In addition, the student should be helpful to classmates during the course. We are a community and students are expected to be a valuable part of that community.

• In turn, the teacher is available during posted virtual hours, both via email and in the course, and can be reached in emergencies via American University email, which will be checked daily. The teacher is here for your support and should be consulted immediately when there are concerns or questions.

Grading system:

Discussions and Postings: 15%

Personal Blog: 15%

Interaction Activities for Digital Citizenship Elements 15 %

Digital Citizenship Element Presentation: 30%

Evaluation of School’s AUP: 10%

School Plan for Digital Citizenship Implementation: 15%

Policies:

Professionalism: You are expected to be a vital and participating member of this course as we all seek to gain knowledge and expertise to improve our own craft. This means respecting intellectual processes and products, regularly attending class (online and/or face-to-face), completing assignments completely and correctly and with attention to detail, show willingness to revise based on instructor or peer feedback, strive for creativity, demonstrate enthusiasm, be helpful to peers, show self-reliance to enable independent learning, display courtesy in written and oral communications, and exhibit cooperation in group work situations. (*adapted from various VSU syllabus)

Participation: You are expected to log into the course regularly and show your presence through discussion and or posted products regularly. The amount you interact with those in the class is

directly proportionate to your success. We are a team in this endeavor and interaction of the academic and supportive nature is crucial.

Due Dates & Time (including zone): All work is DUE by midnight on Saturday night of the week assigned. New weeks begin on Monday.

Tardy Work: All work is expected to be turned in on time. If the students has an issue and work will be submitted late, they should contact the instructor prior to the original due date and explain the circumstances, identifying their expected time of submission. The instructor will approve or reject the extension as necessary.

Class Organization:

Week 1- Overview of Digital Citizenship

Week 2- Digital Access, Digital Commerce

Week 3- Digital Communication, Digital Literacy, & Digital Etiquette

Week 4- Digital Law, Digital Rights and Responsibilities

Week 5- Digital Health & Wellness, Digital Security

Week 6 –Exploration of Digital Citizenship Aspects in current practice

Week 7- Exploration of Digital Citizenship Aspects changes needed

Week 8- Application of Digital Citizenship Implementation Plans

Week 9- Final Presentations of Learning

Materials & Technical Requirements:

• Students will need access to a computer with internet connection as well as access to the Microsoft Suite for product creation. In addition, students are recommended to download Mozilla Firefox and/or Google Chrome to use as alternatives to Internet Explorer

• Students will need access to sound, microphone, and video capabilities on their computer or a school computer. We will be viewing and listening to each other and various items online.

Standards of Academic Integrity- (Policy on plagiarism and cheating)

• Professional ethics, behavior, and quality are expected in all parts of the course. Material obtained in any manner from other sources will not be accepted and may not be used without proper citations. The use of any work or ideas besides your own is PLAGARISM and is not condoned or accepted. It will require consequences.

• Cheating and plagiarism will be handled in an individual and specific manner as specified below.

o First offense: Zero on the assignment

o Second Offense: Disciplinary Action

o Third Offense: Referral to the School Authorities for further action