For this assignment, I chose to focus my research on digital citizenship. As online anonymity and social divide rises, I believe that appropriate online behavior declines. As so much of our interactions happen electronically, this technological decline has ripple effects throughout our society.
The creation of our "Digital Footprint" as these articles refer to it, emphasize the importance of responsible activity online. Whether creating a post, sharing others' content, or commenting on another's thoughts, every online action should create a positive reflection of the author and promote a place for postive community.
The three articles I chose are:
- Modeling Constructive Online Behavior by David Cutler
- What your Students Really Need to Know About Digital Citizenship by Vicki Davis
- Social Media at School: Teaching Safety on the Virtual Playground by Mary Beth Hertz
Modeling Constructive Online Behavior by David Cutler
What did I learn:
Understandably, many educators are apprehensive about allowing students access to social media(Facebook, specifically) or even promoting social media as an acceptable form of online interaction. These social media platforms should not be avoided but rather seen as a place to create a an online version of one’s self. Done responsibly, this activity can have a positive impact on one’s future.
Ways to apply what has been learned:
It is easy to become lost and even afraid of new technology, especially as we hear about cyberbullying and other negative uses of these types of communication streams. Teachers should investigate these streams for what they are: opportunities to make an impression. Students should be taught appropriate online behavior and have the opportunity to create online content to be reviewed by their peers and their teacher.
What your Students Really Need to Know About Digital Citizenship by Vicki Davis
What did I learn:
The author uses alliteration to present her list of important topics which every online citizen should be familiar. The final “P” that is used is “Personal Brand”, which helps the user to remember that every online interaction creates a “digital tattoo” that lives on in the digital world long after the creator has published it. Every online user must pay attention to their online interactions as these individual touchpoints create an overall digital picture of the person to whom the content belongs.
Ways to apply what has been learned:
An interesting psychological activity would be to split students into groups of 3-5 and have them read and discuss a certain article. Each group would have a different article. After reading the article, each group would discuss their perception of the author. What can they surmise from the publication? What is the author’s background? What about political/religious/personal worldviews? Do you have a positive/negative response to the author based on this article? This activity should fit into a larger conversation about how the student’s online content creates a digital picture of themselves.
Social Media at School: Teaching Safety on the Virtual Playground by Mary Beth Hertz
What did I learn:
While teaching students the importance of online safety, the author uses the analogy of a playground. She draws this connection by stating that we know the dangers of the playground. We know that the student will encounter dangers. However, this does not stop us from sending the child to the playground. It is created for a positive purpose. Just because people get hurt there or because bullying occurs there does not mean that we stop sending our children there. The correct action is education. Helping students to know what they may encounter.
Ways to apply what has been learned:
Depending on the age of the student, it may be appropriate to create scenarios that may occur in an online setting. In response to these settings, we can teach, “when this happens, I will…” with each of these scenarios. Exposing our students to the potential hazards of online activity allows us to proactively embed natural responses to each scenario.
Site references:
Cutler, David. “Modeling Constructive Online Behavior.” Edutopia, George Lucas Educational Foundation, 22 Oct. 2015, www.edutopia.org/blog/modeling-constructive-online-behavior-david-cutler.
Davis, Vicki. “What Your Students Really Need to Know About Digital Citizenship.” Edutopia, George Lucas Educational Foundation, 1 Nov. 2017, www.edutopia.org/blog/digital-citizenship-need-to-know-vicki-davis.
Hertz, Mary Beth. “Social Media at School: Teaching Safety on the Virtual Playground.” Edutopia, George Lucas Educational Foundation, 13 Feb. 2015, www.edutopia.org/blog/social-media-school-teaching-safety-virtual-playground.
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