Guest post: Patricia J. Brown, @msEdtechie, is a Technology Specialist for Ladue School District (MO). Last week was Digital Citizenship Week. Many schools engaged in meaningful conversations with students about the need to be a good digital citizen. Digital citizenship is all about teaching kids how to think critically, be safe, and make smart and responsible decisions when using digital media. It's also important that we don't limit this conversation to a beginning of the year lesson, or just one week. We should keep this dialogue ongoing throughout the year. Sixteen years ago when I first started teaching, I remember the focus of my lessons being on the dangers of the Internet, and why it was important to never meet someone in person you met online. Those conversations are still relevant, but I also think they have evolved to more conversations about cyberbullying and student privacy. Many organizations have made it easy for teachers and parents to teach these concepts to students in very practical ways. With increased use of technology inside and outside of the classroom, it is important to educate students and parents on being good digital citizens, as well. Intentional lessons on teaching digital citizenship through platforms like like Common Sense Media, Brainpop, Netsmartz, and iKeep Safe, are important and necessary. Districts should take an active role in promoting good citizenship with zero tolerance for cyberbullying--and parents can help stress that, too.
