Thing #11 Digital Citizenship

This is something that I teach every year to every grade. I feel that it is very important for students know their responsibility to being good technology users. This is one of those times that you must "teach" the students. Just like being a good citizen means taking care of your neighborhood, being a good digital citizen is knowing how to use the proper tool for the job you need to get done, and using the right resources to get the correct answers. I spend a lot of time working with students to know proper "netiquette", using the right tools and resources and being good observers - reading screens, checking the authors of websites, checking information given. We've had some good discussions when conflicting information has been found on several sites...great way to show how important it is to check the facts. We want students to take ownership of their learning, but....we need to instruct them on expectations and provide them with guidance. I especially liked the graphic with the four boxes and student in the middle...it summarizes it all...you need all four parts to be successful with the digital enviroment...once it is part of the students knowledge...then they can go forth and learn on their own....having respect/netiquett is important...as through the digital world you may send an e-mail or comment on a blog of someone you never meet in person...technology can not just be taught in a lab...it must be integrated into all subjects and more importantly into life. I don't just have one lesson on digital citizenship...I teach it all the time...as it best fits...integrated into the curriculum.