Act Responsibly

ISTE NETS•S Standards 5&6 - Digital Citzenship, Technology Operations and Concepts

Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior. Students will:

• advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.
  
• exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.
  
• demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning.
  
• exhibit leadership for digital citizenship.

Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students will:

• understand and use technology systems.
  
• select and use applications effectively and productively.
  
• troubleshoot systems and applications.
  
• transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies.

Explore each of the following four areas: media literacy, information evaluation, online safety, and ethical behavior.

Media Literacy: Web Advertisements

An increasing number of online resources help students understand how advertising and web content are interwoven. Explore the following resources:

• Ad Decoder
• Admongo
• CoCo's AdverSmarts
• Don't Buy It: Get Media Smart
• You Are Here

Information Evaluation: Fact, Fiction, and Fakes

Many transmedia storytelling materials include fact, fiction, and fake websites. In addition, they may promote misinformation or opinions. In the intermediate level fiction book titled Spaceheadz by Jon Scieszka, readers are taken to information websites. They look like nonfiction websites, but are they really fiction because they're invented for use with the book? Examples include SPHDZ, Anti-alien Agency, and Mrs. Halley's Comets class.

Young people need to distinguish among these. Explore the following resources for ideas.

• Binky's Facts and Opinions
• It's a Fact
• SMARTboard Exchange Activities
• Teacher Tap: Evaluation (contains links to fake websites)

Online Safety

Whether helping young people deal with cyberbullies or encouraging them to make wise choices about their online actions, use online services to provide information and activities.

Explore Internet Safety with Professor Garfield

Cyberbullying

• NCPC
• Stop Cyberbullying
• Cyberbullying US

Online Safety

• Connect Safety
• GetNetWise
• IKeepSafe
• iSafe
• NetSmartz - NetSmartzKids and NSTeens
• WebWiseKids
• Wired Safety

Ethical Behavior

From understanding copyright laws to avoiding plagarism, young people need skills in becoming an ethical user of digital technology. Half of teens have posted their original work online (Common Sense Media, 2009).

Many Terms of Use agreements take ownership of materials published at their website. The copright law is intended to protect developers. Teens should get credit for the work they do and give credit for the work of others. Example: DeviantArt is popular with teens such as Hellrapter. Ask students to read the Terms of Use and consider whether their "fan art" meets the requirements.

Copyleft involved removals of restrictions related to distribution of materials. Go to Creative Commons and GNU General Public License to learn more. Many website post options for people who wish to share online. Example: Flickr

Explore the following resources for students:

• Copyright Interactive
• Copyright Kids
• Copyright for Students
• Taking the Mystery Out of Copyright

Teacher Resources

As you explore online materials. ask yourself:

• Does the mission of the website shared in the ABOUT US page match the learning need?
• Does the approach match needs?
• Are the materials age appropriate?
• Are the materials realistic?
• As the materials engaging?
• Are the materials free?

Explore the following resources for ideas:

• Common Sense Media
• CyberSmart
• Digital Citizenship
• Digizen
• Media Awareness
• A Thin Line
  

Develop stand-alone units as well as materials that can be integrated across the curriculum. Integrate social technology into a current events lesson. Integrate Google Earth, email notifications and other technology into study of Earthquakes. 
Example: The Did You Feel It page combines maps and community responses.

Go to Wallwisher - Arthur Example. Try your own Wallwisher with another book series a class is reading. Find book covers on the publisher website pages such as Random House Kids, Ransom House Teens, Harper Teen, Harper Collins Children, I Can Read books, Step into Reading books, Magic School Bus, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Scholastic Books

Try It!
Explore the resources and activities above.
Design an activity that applies one of the four skill areas to your grade level and subject area.
Share your ideas at Wallwisher: Share Fulton.

Want to learn more about Social Technology and Digital Citizenship, go to my online workshop.

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