I think it is vitally important for students to understand how to be good digital citizens. While students enjoy using technology, they need to know how to use it appropriately and safely. Three things I would teach my students are:
1. Digital Literacy - I would want my students to know what technology is, how to use it, and to know that it is readily available for them. It is a source for them to learn and gain knowledge from.
2. Digital Rights and Responsibilities - while ideas and information are readily available for us to read and use, it's important for students to know that we must not copy the words of others to use as our own. It is our responsibility to give credit to the sources we use.
3. Digital Health and Wellness - the internet can be fun and intriguing, but we must limit our time and use on it. It's not to be used all day everyday!
I would teach my students digital citizenship as if I were teaching rules and procedures. I would build it into our community circle and give students a chance to relate and comment on the "rules of technology."
I will be covering a lot of these online safety issues in the library, so we can work together on whatever lesson you need. The earlier we catch these kids, the greater chance they'll be responsible cyber-citizens. Thanks for your interest in this topic.
ReplyDeleteMillie