Weekly reflection-Module 6

I firmly believe that if we hand students iPads, we are also responsible for teaching digital citizenship with a 9-12 systematic approach. Currently our district doesn’t, and I believe that is irresponsible. In my own children’s district, there is a systematic approach in the elementary and middle school and as a parent, I feel as though I can trust that my son is using his electronic device appropriately and responsibly.

This past year, I took a course on digital citizenship which mostly used resources through Common Sense Media. I incorporated a lesson plan in my English class, but at that point it was difficult to know what they knew and didn’t know because we don’t have a district-wide approach. Most of the material through this course was on social networking, the dangers and how to form positive, healthy relationships safely while on-line. 

This past week, I learned some new things as well. I am familiar with the term digital footprint, but the videos on students promoting positive messages through social media enabled me to think differently. I started to consider how I could use social media in my classroom as a way to encourage students to think  outside of their world. Currently, most students use it to socialize with friends, but the potential for it academically is far-reaching.  I was able to express this idea through this week's lesson plan in a way that promotes positively to a student’s digital footprint, while reflecting on their current habits. The other two resources that hit me was the website on “Spread the R Word” because I can say until I am blue in the face that the word is offensive, but this website, with the social media implications, makes more of an impact. In addition, I have avoided using Twitter, even though I have an account, because I don’t quite understand how it works. But the website on “Complete Guide to Twitter Hashtags” gave me some insights on how I could use it in my work-life and in school. 

Despite everything I have learned, it doesn’t do much, if it isn’t applied. I can’t just piecemeal it into my classroom. Consequently, like many things I strongly believe in, it takes small steps towards a common goal. First this class, then collaborating with other like minded people, then hopefully incorporating it into the culture of our building. I believe we now have a principle where that kind of action is supported, so perhaps the goal can be realized, and it will become systematically part of our school culture.