How do you promote digital citizenship?

1 Define digital citizenship

Start by explaining what digital citizenship means and why it is important. You can use examples from your own experience or from current events to illustrate the benefits and challenges of being online. You can also create a class charter or a set of rules that reflect the expectations and values of digital citizenship. For instance, you can ask your students to agree on how they will communicate, collaborate, and create online, as well as how they will protect their privacy and respect others.

2 Model digital citizenship

One of the best ways to teach digital citizenship is to show it in action. You can model digital citizenship by using technology appropriately and effectively in your teaching. For example, you can cite your sources, acknowledge different perspectives, and give feedback online. You can also demonstrate how to use digital tools and platforms safely and responsibly, such as choosing strong passwords, checking privacy settings, and reporting inappropriate content.

3 Integrate digital citizenship

Digital citizenship is not a separate subject, but a cross-curricular competency that can be integrated into any topic or activity. You can incorporate digital citizenship into your curriculum by designing authentic and meaningful tasks that require your students to use technology in creative and collaborative ways. For example, you can ask your students to research a global issue, create a multimedia presentation, or participate in a online community. You can also use digital citizenship as a lens to explore social, ethical, and cultural issues related to technology.

4 Assess digital citizenship

Digital citizenship is not only about knowledge, but also about skills and attitudes. You can assess your students' digital citizenship by using a variety of methods and criteria that reflect the different dimensions of digital citizenship. For example, you can use rubrics, portfolios, self-assessments, or peer feedback to evaluate your students' digital literacy, digital etiquette, digital rights and responsibilities, and digital identity. You can also provide ongoing and constructive feedback to help your students improve their digital citizenship.

5 Celebrate digital citizenship

Digital citizenship is not only about avoiding risks, but also about embracing opportunities. You can celebrate your students' digital citizenship by recognizing and showcasing their achievements and contributions online. For example, you can share your students' work on a class blog, website, or social media account. You can also invite your students to share their learning and experiences with other classes, schools, or organizations online. You can also encourage your students to participate in events or initiatives that promote digital citizenship, such as Digital Citizenship Week or Safer Internet Day.

6 Learn from digital citizenship

Digital citizenship is not a static concept, but a dynamic and evolving one. You can learn from your students' digital citizenship by reflecting on your own practice and professional development. For example, you can ask your students for feedback on how you use technology in your teaching. You can also seek new ideas and resources from other teachers, experts, or organizations online. You can also join online networks or communities that support digital citizenship education, such as Common Sense Education or DigCitCommit.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?