Group items tagged

As more and more students interact digitally-with content, one another, and various communities-the concept of digital citizenship becomes increasingly important. Which begs the question: what is digital citizenship?

This story about a social media persona gone wrong is an excellent case study for educators. Personally, when I do fiction on Twitter (as in the case of a fictitious dialog between a student and teacher - I always start by disclosing it.) Secondly, I don't think it is smart to mess with people by making things up. People need to be able to trust you -- especially if you want to be a credible academic source. That said, read this so that when you see parody or fake accounts that you know they exist and you can also know that some people making things up for the fun of it.

After teaching about pirates, talk about modern day pirates with this lesson plan for ages 7-9 with this educational game and lesson plan. This will prepare kids to be safe online over the summer.

Here is Sue Basko's site about Liz. One point I want to make here is that it could be that Liz's article did in fact inspire cyberstalking against Sue. It does not, however, mean Liz is a cyberstalker. One person hating Liz also does not mean it is true. There are people who have defended me in situations against those who are unkind but I had nothing to do with it. There is a lot more here than a simple to understand interaction. Also, perhaps, it would have been easier for Sue to say that she was wrong when she got out of field and made inflammatory comments hurting those with autism (saying they were claiming it just to get money --- in a way that was insensitive, in my opinion) In all of this, as you look at the interaction there is the surface story but also the fact that with social media and thousands of bystanders watching our interactions that such convoluted scenarios will emerge.

It is unfortunate that controversy is surrounding autism and yet it is something misunderstood by many. Here is an article on Liz Ditz's blog going back to an issue that arose in December when she quoted a person's Facebook who then denied the posting and accused Liz of hacking the account and writing the comments herself. I am not on the inside of this but am watching as the outcome has implications for my own thoughts of digital citizenship. I am just saddened any time a person is taken of a mission to help others because of flame wars and it doesn't look like this one is going to stop soon. All I know is I have been reading Liz's blog for quite some time and although I don't know her personally, I find the charges leveled against her doubtful from what I do know.

Judy O'Connell's curated tweets, blogs, etc. on digital citizenship. Excellent, constantly updated resources.

Educate, before you integrate.

Woman harassed over the Internet keeps her wits about her and documents it to bring the offender to justice.

Evaluating the accuracy of information on the Internet

Video by Howard Rheingold on critical thinking and determining the validity of information on the Internet.

Includes an extensive list of websites which can be used for teaching the concept of critical thinking and evaluating the information we find on the Internet. Based on a presentation by Howard Rheingold.

Website aimed at younger students.

A useful site for younger primary students.

This website will be fantastic for your assignment on bullying.

EXCELLENT video for reminding parents that they need to be aware of what their children are doing on the Internet.

I overheard a great conversation yesterday. Two girls were chatting behind me in the queue in the Post Office. From their discussion about school options and examinations, I'd say they were around 14 and 15 years old. Here's part of the conversation, it really made me smile. Girl #1: My mum doesn't even know I'm on Facebook. Girl #2: Oh gosh, you're on Facebook too? So am I. My parents don't know either; my mum doesn't like the idea of me being on it.

Generally adults help young people learn to drive safely before giving them car keys and turning them loose on the streets of the world. Young people also need guidance and adult assistance to learn how to safely navigate the virtual environments of the 21st Century. Schools must be proactive, rather than merely defensive, in helping students acquire the skills of digital citizenship needed today and in the future. Simply banning read/write web tools on school networks is an inadequate response: Educators must strive to learn alongside students and parents how these technologies can be safely and powerfully used to communicate and collaborate.

Musical composer Jason Robert Brown debates copyright of sheet-music with a teenager. Follow their email conversation for excellent insight into the copyright dilemma. Great real-life scenario to use if discussing copyright with teachers and/or students.

Interactive case studies on wireless, social networking, digital footprint, cyberbullying, misinformation, fair use, privacy, music downloading. Includes classroom and home versions as well as teacher guides. All but one topic (Wireless) is available in Spanish as well.

Interactive case studies on wireless, social networking, digital footprint, cyberbullying, misinformation, fair use, privacy, music downloading. Includes classroom and home versions as well as teacher guides. All but one topic (Wireless) is available in Spanish as well.