Tool # 11 Digital Citizenship

This was an incredibly informative tool, although there were no surprises. It is logical thinking. Where we are as teachers, we have been very aware of most of these concepts from which to operate; Really, much like that of the utilization of the library as we know it. What this tool did for me was to bring it to the forefront and initiated how I am going to pass this on to my students with regard to technology. The three primary issues I would like to familiarize my students with are, but not limited to:

• Research: To create a richly creative learning environment, students must learn the rules by which to locate, use, and develop a product. I was glad to see that BRAINPOP has a website to facilitate the teaching of this. It is a format the students are familiar with. The lesson will parallel that of using books and the library with regard to locating information from technology devices. Discussions: plagarism, bias, etc.
• Working Together/Collaboration: There is a method to this in creating a classroom project. Again, the lesson is not far from the concept of using books as a resource for information. The conflict with technology is that they will have so much more information at their disposal, possibly making the decision process a bit more difficult and time consuming. Teachers might be needed here to help narrow the playing field, while still allowing for thoughtful choices. The use of GoogleDocs will be most helpful during collaboration and working toward their final product. I love GoogleDocs!
• Legal, Responsible, Positive:...application of knowledge and all that we have been taught with regard to behavior "on paper". As in life, this ties into the humanistic, the cultural, and the societal elements of behaviors through the use of technology devices. Students should be taught that they practice leadership "both on and off the field". Be respectful and honorable with regard to what you say and the message behind the thought. It is about responsible journalism; Fact or fiction. The students could produce their own documentary about this issue. It would be an effective teaching/reinforcing tool about proper digital citizenship.

Teachers serve as the role model here. Children listen and watch and it is expected that we are held to a high standard in order to pass on the most appropriate habits of learning through technology. No longer just in our safe classrooms, but through technology we SAFELY travel the internet highway together.