Thought #10

1. The most important thing I think students need to know about being a good digital citizen is that these items that the students are getting to use are not toys. They are very expensive and a privledge they are getting to use to enhance their education experience. They need to be treated as much and the students need to realize they are breakable and can easily get "hurt".  Students need to take care of them so they will last and be good as new throughout the year.  Another thing they need to know is that everything they find on the internet is not necessarily true. They need to research and explore what they are researching and not just take the word of the first site they find. There is a world out there waiting to be explored, they need to go out there and find support for the ideas and backing for what they are saying.  Lastly they need to know plagiarism is taboo, they must give credit where credit is dud explore it and find several sites that support their idea and findings. 

2. There are a number of good sources under the "Chart of Resources By Grade Level and Content" provided by the district. Brainpop was quick and easy to understand.I really like the fact that the students should already have been exposed to Brainpop and therefore it should be a refreasher and not something that needs to be explained in depth.  It means more time for them to learn and not as much time explaining the concept.  I also liked how I could get resources by grade level and content, which saves time and makes it easier to find what I am looking for. It is a simple and effective teaching tool.

3. I would simply use the tools stated previously. I would start with a general discussion about what good citizenship means in our society (concepts previously learned) and then transition into digital citizenship. It would be intereactive where the students are involved by telling me what they think are good behaviors and what are not and why.  Some of the videos have online quizzes that the kids could take as well to support the ideas.

4.  I believe this information could be incorporated into the district's "parent take home letter" regarding technology that all parents must sign and return to school. I could also discuss the importance of online safety at open house. I could have the computers opened and available for the students to show their parents what they are learning and how they are "safe" with the computers.  Parents could then do one themselves so they get involved first hand.