How do we help our students navigate safely online?
As teachers, so much responsibility falls on us when it comes to teaching our students Internet safety and online etiquette. It starts with us educating ourselves so that we can model and teach our students. Even though this is the world they have grown up in and they don't know any different, they still do not know how to conduct themselves in the digital world appropriately.
BrainPOP Digital Etiquette Video
When technology is integrated into your curriculum, it is important that digital citizenship is also embedded into lessons in an authentic way. I like to use real-life scenarios when teaching students about digital etiquette and safety. It's also important that parents receive this communication as well so that our students start to see a pattern at home and at school.
If we don't want students accessing inappropriate content, it's so important that we teach them what to do if they come across a website that does not look safe or appropriate. For example, tell a teacher, parent, or simply close out of the tab. It's so scary to think how our student's actions online can leave a digital footprint on the rest of their lives. Teaching them how to create a positive online presence is key.
Involving families is such a huge factor for a child's success. Digital citizenship should be a community effort. It is more impactful when students know they have multiple trusted adults that they can discuss issues with. When it's being reinforced at home, students will hear the same message.
Kari Mueller
Special Education Teacher and Teacher Leader
kmueller@okobojischools.org
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