Melissa Nored, Librarian

Digital Citizenship Week

Last week all of Katy ISD celebrated Digital Citizenship Week. The theme for the week was Think Before You Post, and at the elementary schools, we focused on becoming “Super Digital Citizens.” We all need be reminded to consider the consequences of what we say or post online and the effects it might have on others, as well as, our own online reputation. Students were challenged to think of ways they could show kindness to others when you are playing a game or talking to friends online. During library and class time, students brainstormed and discussed what it takes to be a Super Digital Citizen.

I shared the Digital Survival Toolkit with 4^th & 5^th grade students, and the loved the visual example of squeezing all the toothpaste out of a tube – once it’s out, it’s impossible to get it all back in. I believe students are beginning to understand that once something is posted on the Internet – a photo, a tweet, an email, a comment, a chat – they have little to no control over who sees that post and where it goes. Ask them about Dr. Bell’s experiment! Students also signed a pledge to be a Super Digital Citizen and use the Internet safely, responsibly, and respectfully. Ask your student what else was in the toolkit!

Kindergarten through 3^rd grade talked about private information versus information that it is ok to share. Older students were amazed at how far Dr. Bell’s tweet went and how many people viewed it – 35,322 views in one week! 

Using the Internet carefully and respectfully is vitally important for our young people. Students also created Super Digital Citizens and created bookmarks. Check out these examples:

Cimarron appreciates your support as we teach and encourage your students to use the Internet safely and responsibly. Our curriculum for Digital Citizenship comes from a terrific website: Common Sense Media. Check it out – https://www.commonsensemedia.org This site has fantastic resources for talking with your student about Internet safety as well as terrific reviews for movies, books, games, and apps. I have included a link below to one of their Family Tip Sheets – Common Sense on Digital Life – that is full of great ideas. Please read with your family. If you missed them, check out the great posts from last week at #cecheetahs and #thinkb4upost.

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/uploads/pdfs/k-5-familytip-digital_life_043015.pdf

Thanks! Mrs. Melissa Nored, Cimarron Library Media Specialist