Digital Citizenship: Excellent Resources from Common Sense Media
Author: Rick Phelan
Published: 04.01.14
Digital citizenship refers to the behaviors, choices, and ethics a person applies when using technology. A more formal definition is presented in the California Education Code, which describes digital citizenship as:
“An understanding of the ethical, legal, and safe use of information and technology. Respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources including the ability to differentiate between legal and illegal uses of information and sources so that students learn to apply responsible research practices. An awareness of local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture, digital etiquette, and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information.”
The need for students to learn about digital citizenship is acknowledged by many different groups. Parents and educators recognize the need as they see young people spending increasing amounts of time using the Internet and social media. A recent survey undertaken by Sonoma County school districts through BrightBytes found that digital citizenship was ranked high among the learning needs of all respondents. State and federal lawmakers have passed legislation requiring that public schools with Internet access provide students with a digital citizenship learning curriculum.
Now that we are developing greater understanding of what digital citizenship is, the next step is to provide age-appropriate learning activities. One of the best places to find digital citizenship materials and resources for K-12 students is through Common Sense Media. They are a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization led by concerned parents and individuals with experience in child advocacy, public policy, education, media, and entertainment.
Common Sense Media has an articulated Scope and Sequence for K-12 learning about digital citizenship. Curriculum designers at Common Sense Media have established the following learning areas for digital citizenship:
Educators are encouraged to use this scope and sequence to find lessons that are right for their classrooms. Cross-curricular units spiral to address digital literacy and citizenship topics in an age-appropriate way. The web interface allows users to browse topics by grade band or click on a category for lessons on specific topics. Resources and lessons are available through a web-based interface and iBooks. A sampling of topics with links for different grade spans is offered below.
Grades K-2
Going Places Safely | Students learn that they can go to exciting places online, but they need to follow certain rules to remain safe.
A-B-C Searching | Students search for pictures online by clicking on letters of the alphabet. They learn that directory sites with alphabetical listings offer one way to find things on the Internet.
Screen Out the Mean | Students learn that children sometimes can act like bullies when they are online. They explore what cyberbullying means and what they can do when they encounter it.
Things for Sale | Students examine product websites and understand that the purpose of the site is to encourage buying the product. Students learn methods used to promote products on these sites.
Writing Good Emails | Students learn how to communicate effectively by email, taking into account the purpose and audience of their message, and the tone they want to convey.
Grades 3-5
Private & Personal Information | How can you protect yourself from online identity theft? Students think critically about the information they share online.
The Power of Words | Students consider that they may get online messages from other kids that can make them feel angry, hurt, sad, or fearful. Students identify actions that will make them Upstanders in the face of cyberbullying.
You’ve Won A Prize! | Students learn what spam is, the forms it takes, and then identify strategies for dealing with it.
What’s Cyberbullying? | Students explore how it feels to be cyberbullied, how cyberbullying is similar to or different than in-person bullying, and learn strategies for handling cyberbullying when it arises.
Selling Stereotypes | Students explore how the media can play a powerful role in shaping our ideas about girls and boys. They practice identifying messages about gender roles in two online activity zones for kids.
Grades 6-8
Cyberbullying: Be Upstanding | Students learn about the difference between being a passive bystander versus a brave upstander in cyberbullying situations.
Strategic Searching | Students learn that to conduct effective and efficient online searches, they must use a variety of searching strategies.
Scams & Schemes | Students learn strategies for guarding against identity theft and scams that try to access their private information online.
Safe Online Talk | While acknowledging the benefits of online talk and messaging, students learn how to handle situations or online behavior which may make them feel uncomfortable.
Which Me Should I Be? | Students learn that presenting themselves in different ways online carries both benefits and risks.
Cyberbullying: Crossing the Line | Students learn to distinguish good-natured teasing from cyberbullying.
Grades 9-12
Turn Down the Dial on Cyberbullying and Online Cruelty | Students learn that cruelty can escalate quickly online because people are often anonymous and posts spread quickly.
My Online Code | Students discuss their understanding of ethical behavior and are introduced to the concept of online ethics.
Risky Online Relationships | Students think critically about developing relationships with people online.
Retouching Reality | Students think critically about the different purposes and contexts of digital image editing.
Private Today, Public Tomorrow | Students reflect on their responsibility to protect the privacy of others when posting information about them online.
Feeling On Display | Students reflect on the different pressures teens face when it comes to editing, posting, and commenting on photos online.
Copyrights and Wrongs | Students explore the legal and ethical dimensions of respecting creative work.
Oops! I Broadcast It on the Internet | Students are introduced to the benefits of sharing information online and the potential risks of sharing inappropriate information.
Does It Matter Who Has Your Data? | Students consider the ways websites and companies collect data online and utilize it to personalize content for their users, as well as consider companies’ motives in doing so.
Blog: Technology for Learners
