Digital Citizenship

Introduction

Your school notices an increase in discipline incidences related to technology. Issues range from inappropriate uses of online communication tools to far more serious issues including plagiarism, hacking and cyberbullying. A small group dubbed the DigiCitizen Committee comprising of the Library Media Specialist, Principal, a teacher leader and psychologist/guidance counselor has been convened to address the issue. The DigiCitizen Committee has been charged with developing a comprehensive action plan.

The steps that must be included in the DigiCitizen Committee's action plan are:

An audit/survey/assessment
Identification of Needs
An instructional program for students.
A professional learning program for teachers.

The plan should address all the aspects of digital citizenship.

Task

Essential Questions:

What is digital citizenship and why is it important? How do we assess the need for instruction of appropriate, responsible and ethical technology and information use? (Digital Literacy, Digital Security, Digital Responsibilities) How do we close the digital divide? (Digital Access) Should students be aware of how to purchase goods and services through digital formats? (Digital Commerce) What are the rules and etiquette associated with communicating using digital technologies? (Digital Communication, Digital Etiquette) What are the legal rights and restrictions governing technology use? (Digital Law) How can students be physically affected by technology? (Digital Health & Wellness)

Content/Skills/Activities:

Participants will define digital citizenship.
Participants will reflect on specific issues relating to one of the elements of digital citizenship based on given scenarios.
Assessment:
- Students will complete an action plan addressing one of the elements of Digital Citizenship.
- Students will use one of the iPad tools to create a presentation for the faculty members of their school to include the following:
  - Definiiton of digital citizenship.
  - Their essential question in the context of the elements (as described in Digital Citizenship in Schools).
  - Significance of the issue.
  - Recommended steps to include ideas for instructing students, PD for teachers, communication with home and other.

Process

There will be six groups - based on the essential questions:

Digital Literacy, Digital Security, Digital Responsibilities
Digital Access
Digital Commerce
Digital Communication, Dgiital Etiquette
Digital Law
Digital Health/Wellness

Based on an assigned Digital Literacy Question - the group will decide on steps to address issue and create a clear, short presentation using a favorite tool to present to the "faculty" members.

Using resources provided and presented including iSafe, Cybersmart, Power to Learn and any others, students will develop a curriculum plan to address their question.