After going through several resources about Digital Citizenship I finally realize the difference between Digital Citizenship and Internet Safety. Digital Citizenship encourages students to go online and use different social media platforms. Why would we encourage them to do such a thing? Here is why....
Students need to know how to act, write, interpret, collaborate, and even disagree online. The problem is not the platforms, the problem is how they use them. This reminds me of my Twitter account. I am not on it to debate politics, I am not on it to cheer for my favorite sports team (which is the Cowboys!) I am on it to build up my network. I am on it to gain insight and resources to make me a better teacher, a better leader.
The resources I shuffled through this week were inspiring. I have an idea. I would like to create a Feel Good Facebook for students at AMHS. I want to invite students to be a part of it and post each day something to feel good about. For example, "If you see Simon today congratulate him on his acceptance to RPI!" How uplifting for Simon to get congratulate all the way through the halls?? Or a reminder that it is somebody's birthday. For a student who is very shy, people may not know it is his/her birthday. Wouldn't it make them feel pretty special to get a "Happy Birthday" as he/she walked through the hallways???
The dilemma....I'm not sure how this would work with our Social Media Policy. I cannot imagine that people including parents and educators would be apposed to this idea. Let's make the students feel good about themselves! The only other obstacle I see is the age required for Facebook. If a student is lying about their age because they are not yet 15 could that be an issue for our school? Maybe just limit it to students who are over 15?
I am inspired to make Digital Citizenship a part of my day. I will strive to do this.
