The most important lessons we learn in life center around social-emotional learning and becoming safe, responsible, and respectful adults. As 21st century citizens and learners, it has become essential for schools to teach social skills that will keep students safe online and allow them to thrive as learners using digital tools.
Before taking to the internet, iPad, or any educational app, create a structure in your classroom that will prepare students for the online learning world. Here are some quick tips to set the digital tone and some of our favorite resources for teaching digital citizenship:
Teach a Device-Free Lesson First
Not only will it double as a team-builder and improve your classroom culture, but teaching a lesson on digital citizenship without being online has huge benefits when students eventually get online. Just as you would define clear routines and structure in your classroom, the online classroom needs the same level of attention. Priming your students for what's to come will prepare and excite them when it's time to try out that new program, app, or online lesson.
Have Students Make Real Life Connections
Engage with your students in a class discussion around safety in real life. Get students to think about how they are safe, responsible, and respectful when face to face with others. This will help them understand the internet as a giant collection of very real people and things (including consequences); even though they can't always see what's on the other side.
Take Advantage of Resources
Although the need to explicitly teach digital citizenship is recent, there are already resources just a few clicks away. Some awesome teachers have shared their digital citizenship lessons on personal blogs, and there are even companies working to create material that saves you the planning time. Check out one of our favorites, Common Sense Media, which will give you access to all of the materials you and your students need to stay safe online- for free!
The internet is an amazing resource, and we're seeing students rise to new levels with access to so many programs and opportunities. As educators, it's our job to teach our students how to live in the digital world and make sure the internet continues to be a place they thrive.
Have ideas or opinions on digital citizenship? Leave it in the comment section below!
