""Cyber-bullying, because of its perceived anonymity and infinite on-line audiences, has attracted media spotlight with the advent and increased use of digital and social media such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter," said Prof. Shaheen Shariff, who has pioneered research into the phenomenon since she joined McGill's Faculty of Education eight years ago.
Now, a McGill research team led by Shariff has launched a new website, www.definetheline.ca, to help kids better understand the risks and their responsibilities - and to help parents, teachers and policy makers sort through the issues and implications. It promises to become a valuable resource for educators across North America, providing advice from leading experts in a user-friendly format."
"At Clarence Sansom we believe that students should have access to computers, other technology and the internet to assist them in their learning. As of fall 2011, students may bring their own digital devices to school (with school permission) and may use these devices in the classroom (with teacher permission). Non-instructional and unsupervised areas such as hallways, washrooms and change rooms are designated as digital "no-zones". The library is a digital "go zone". Students will be allowed to use digital devices in this area during non-instructional time under direct supervision and with teacher permission. "
"How to integrate My Online Neighborhood into the classroom: My Online Neighborhood is a nice entry point for teaching Internet safety. Use the video to spur classroom discussions about online safety. The video also makes a nice lead in to the Internet safety lessons from Common Sense Media on Digital Life (sending email, online communities, rings of responsibility), Privacy (follow the digital trail), Connected Culture (screen out the mean, show respect online, power of words, group think, writing good emails), and Respecting Creative Work (whose is it, anyway?). These units and lessons are detailed, fun, and get right to the heart of the matter of raising digitally responsible citizens. The lesson plans are leveled by grade and can be used for kindergarten through fifth grade."
"With more than 500 million Facebook users across the world, it's hard to refute that the social networking site has profoundly changed the way we communicate and share information. But what's the Facebook effect on kids? When it comes to navigating the social networking world - whether it's Facebook or Fan Fiction sites - the terrain becomes even murkier."
This is an interesting document designed by M. Schlemok, administrator of an elementary school in Alberta, that resembles
Stephen Covey's best-known book, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. All digital citizens should familarize themselves
with Covey's teachings, in particular, his series of habits. Covey advocates what he calls "The Character Ethic", that is
aligning one's values with "universal and timeless principles". He see principles as "external natural laws" while "values are
internal and subjective". He believes that values govern people's behaviour and principles ultimately determine the consequences.
Gives you current statistic on internet usage which could be handy for 'selling' your case to your school to promote policy development on digital citizenship.
Also useful for assignments 1 & 2 if you need figures to support SNS usage etc.
During our Forum discussions In ETL 523 the questions of resources for teaching digital citizenship was raised. This American curriculum looks like a useful resource.