Mrs D's Ideas in Online Learning and Instructional Design : Digital Citizenship

If there's one topic that I feel is extremely important for teachers as well students to understand it is Digital Citizenship. We live in such a technologically advanced world many people do not understand the ramifications of offering information about themselves (and others) into cyberspace.

As teachers we may be in the online teaching arena or incorporate technology into our traditional brick and mortar classrooms. Both of these worlds offer great opportunities for our students but can also pose risks when it come to personal information. A few key points to remember as a teacher regarding digital citizenship and student rights:

1. Follow all FERPA Laws. This means no personal information regarding grades, IEP and/or personal student information may be shared through the internet unless following specific procedures like using password protected documents.

By MrsD719 | View this Toon at ToonDoo | Create your own Toon. Created by C. Daugherty 2/17/2017

2. When using technology in the classroom abide by CIPA. Help students understand the benefits of using technology and the web but help them learn the appropriate online behavior. I love the THINK acronym below in regards to social media use:

T – is it true?

H – is it helpful?

I – is it inspiring?

N – is it necessary?

K – is it kind?

3. Know that following COPPA is completely in the hands of the teacher. Choosing the right online tools that are appropriate for your students is easily doable with a great toolbox of educational resources. Making sure you have parental consent and/or choosing sites that do not ask for any personal information are key

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4u1aEDHmGQ, Anna Otto, Created 8.19.2014. Reused with permission CCO Public Domain.

Why are these so important? Because as a teacher you need to be aware of the information you are sharing with others and HOW you are sharing that information regarding your students.

Just as important as teachers following all internet laws, students need to be aware of their digital citizenship so they gain an early understanding of their online identity and how it will follow them forever and could impact many aspects of their lives.

Most people have probably seen school teachers that place an image on Facebook stating they are teaching their students a lesson in how easily it is to get information across the internet. They will ask people to like and share the image to demonstrate how quickly information can spread across the web. For these students the fact that 1000s of people view, like and share one image can show just how quickly and easily it is to find information on the internet.

Students should be aware that images, tweets, comments etc that are placed on the internet can impact things such as college acceptance and jobs. It is noted that many employers as well as college admissions now check social media sites to see exactly what may be internet available about a potential candidate.

Check out this video on how successful a teachers post on facebook was to show students internet stafety: Teachers Lesson on Internet Safety

Here is a great article from the Princeton Review on how colleges do look at social media as well as tips for students to "clean up" their profiles and ways to use social media for their benefit: Social Media and College Admission

Larger version of Citizenship In The Digital Age Image. ISTE Infographic

Not only am I teacher to high school students but I am also a mother to two small children that are learning to navigate their way around the internet. Digital Citizenship is extremely important for me as an educator to make sure I am following all guidelines for my students because I would not want my own children's information shared incorrectly or without my permission. I do think having children of my own makes me more aware of FERPA, CIPA and COPPA and making sure I educate myself as well as my students and parents on Digital Citizenship.