Digital Citizenship, Front-Loaded

Like any important classroom routine, the use of devices and digital technology requires considerable input and practice up front to be effective throughout the year.  In my experience, "That doesn't work in my classroom" usually means "I didn't bother to set it up properly at the beginning of the year"!! 

This year, I've refined some of the ppts I used last year (which had been edited and repurposed from a file I had rec'd from my school earlier), and have included a specific lesson to promote discussion of various scenarios.  (Thanks to our instructional tech coach, Jim Cash, for sharing the "Digital Compass for the 21st Century” and scenarios, adapted from work by Mike Ribble!)

My plan is to begin by building on what students already know, like and worry about when it comes to digital technology to foster an introductory discussion about learning technology and appropriate use of BYOD.  After co-constructing some class norms (guided by our school and board policy, of course!), I'll introduce the digital compass to students, and have them work in groups to discuss scenarios and decide on the ethics.  Then we'll talk about different scenarios as a class, and add any needed norms to our class chart.

Finally, I'll have students review these scenarios and norms with their families, and get them to sign (and possibly comment on)  a condensed digital code of conduct when they register for an Edmodo account (more on that in an upcoming blog post).

While hanging out with a group of friends at the mall, you get phone call on your cell.  You answer it and have a long conversation.  (Explore: What is the proper etiquette (good manners) when using a mobile phone in a public place?)

In math, your teacher is going over how to find total surface area.  You decide to record the teacher’s lesson using your smartphone so you can watch the video again later at home because math is difficult for you. (Explore: What are the procedures you need to follow before taking pictures or recording others with your device?)

reblogged from AMDigital Citizenship

You get an email from Apple that says your iTunes account has been blocked.  You need to click on a link to log into your account so you can verify your information.  So, you follow the instructions and account is now unblocked.  (Explore:  What are some ways that online criminals trick people into giving away their personal information, usernames or passwords?)

Once that's all done, I'll invite students to begin bringing their devices to school... then the challenge will be enforcing the rules we've set together, and making sure I'm using technology effectively to facilitate learning, so that there will be less chance of off-task behaviour and fewer opportunities for students to not follow the norms!