Digital Citizenship
Ethics, Evaluation, Internet Safety and Acceptable Use
Digital Citizenship is a concept which helps teachers, technology leaders and parents to understand what students/children/technology users should know to use technology appropriately. Digital Citizenship is more than just a teaching tool; it is a way to prepare students/technology users for a society full of technology. Too often we are seeing students as well as adults misusing and abusing technology, but not sure what to do. The issue is more than what the users do not know but what is considered appropriate technology usage.
Acceptable Use and appropriate use of the Internet is something that both teachers and students must understand. Educators must be constantly evaluating resources for appropriate use, and modeling for students. Each school district must have an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for students and staff in order to get Universal Service Funding. These policies outline the safe practices, expectations and responsibilities of using technology within the educational environment.
Web evaluation and digital citizenship are critical components of appropriate use. Discerning between bogus/hoax and valid/reliable websites requires understanding how to critically evaluate.
Evaluation is based on 4 aspects:
1. Content
2. Authority/Credibility
3. Bias/Purpose
4. Usability/Navigation
Go through Joyce Valenza's PowerPoint for information on evaluating Web Sites and then read the criteria evaluation on Joyce's Blog for Blogs and Wikis.
She also recent information on ethics and copyright issues.
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Aligned to the NETS-T: 1.b, 2.a, 2.b, 3.a, 3.d, 4.a, 4.b, 4.c
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Web WISE and Bogus/Hoax Sites
Bogus and hoax web sites are a source of fun and entertainment for many. In order to not be taken in by one of these sites, it is important to understand how to evaluate.
Review the Bogus & Hoax PowerPoint.
Next review the Bogus/Hoax websites list using Joyce Valenza's Critical Evaluation Criteria.
| Bogus & Hoax PowerPoint |
| Critical Evaluation Bogus & Hoax sites |
CyberSafety Cafe
The CyberSafety Cafe in Blackboard provides a wealth of cybersafety resources to support the teaching, learning and modeling of Internet Safety.
To see a portal of cyber resources, visit the Shiawassee Cybersafety Cafe by clicking here.
21things Hands-On Activity and Assignment:
1. Select four websites - two from the bogus/hoax list and two of your choice. Critically review the four websites using the Joyce Valenza criteria (content, authority/credibility, bias/purpose, and usability/navigation). Submit a one paragraph critical evaluation of each web site. Include the web addresses, screen shots, and a reflection of this activity in your portfolio.
2. Write up a plan in your portfolio identifying 4 activities you will use in your setting to help others learn about: cyberbullying, personal information on the web, acceptable use of the Internet, and/or Netiquette.
Additional Resources:
*Four aspects of becoming Web WISE - Web 2.0 productivity, Internet Safety, Searching, and Evaluation.
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