Digital Citizenship Awareness Week
The week of October 17th is Digital Citizenship Awareness Week. It serves as a reminder that teaching digital citizenship is one of the most important things we can do to prepare students for their futures.
There are many great resources for teachers, students, and parents on the topic. Like many schools, Garnet Valley uses the Common Sense Media K–12 Digital Citizenship Curriculum as its foundation to address timely topics and prepare students to take ownership of their digital lives. This curriculum was initially developed in 2011 as a result of a partnership between Common Sense Media and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Since then, it has been updated by the research and work of thousands of educators. Each digital citizenship lesson takes on real challenges and digital dilemmas that students face today, giving them the skills they need to succeed as digital learners, leaders, and citizens tomorrow.
Teaching digital citizenship doesn't only happen during this week. In Garnet Valley, and I'm sure in most school districts as well, helping students understand the importance of using technology responsibly and appropriately is a top priority.
We want our students to be digitally literate and, at the same time, to be aware of the impact they can have on their digital footprint. The goal of digital citizenship is not to teach students how to use technology. It teaches them how to be balanced, respectful, and safe online.
Take a moment to watch this short video (4:11) that explains Garnet Valley's approach to student technology. Then use the links below to access other great resources that can help support parents as they reinforce the importance of digital citizenship with their children.