Digital Age Citizenship

I think sometimes we forget, in our haste to make things happen quickly digitally, that the human side of tech needs to be taught, too. While it may be about quick gratification in TV commercials, the reality is that most of us see technology as a universal way to communicate—whether you’re leading the class, or just in the class. I’ve heard all the stories about kids working the computing devices and the software without formal lessons—they just do it. And I’ve heard the lines about, “students are teaching me” from teachers. Well, that’s not what I’m talking about. Teachers or parents who have students or children using technology have a responsibility to also teach social and ethical awareness, as well as etiquette—regardless of student power-user status. We used to call that citizenship, and I still do.

Teaching these things aren’t new for teachers or parents, although with time pressing in from all sides, remembering to make the time, is the trick. But it doesn’t take much to add a bit of reflective thinking into a digital lesson, or a conversation with a child. I just think that it’s sad that we need to be reminded that kids look to adults for specific guidance and they respond to it when it’s give regularly. Heck, you don’t have to be a French parent to know that; it’s just a matter of taking the time—regularly and consistently—to do it. Forget about who is responsible, today—the point is that we all are accountable—just working at it from different avenues. The keys are work, and doing that work together.

While you’ll find packaged programs out there to guide digital and community citizenship and responsibilities, you really don’t need more than a few ideas to begin.

1. Have kids create a mission statement of who they are—how they see themselves—with written copies for home and school. Do it with a computer or pen; doesn’t matter. Missions statements can change, and can be modified often—referring to them often will happen. Living up to a mission statement can be a hefty goal, because adjectives about self hold great weight. This is active and won’t collect dust in a drawer. Displaying it is always an inspiring event—whether on a classroom wall, or on a refrigerator door.

2. In lessons, or home conversations, touch on something that communicates integrity, kindness, and awareness of others—inside and outside the classroom or home—playground or online. Truly, make these conversations rather than memorization and regurgitation of goals or buzz words. Talk with kids rather than at them. While that may be an adult challenge, time spent pays off.

3. Leave time, daily, for students to reflect in writing, and make sure students can comfortably share a sampling of those reflections at some point during a week with a small group or a larger one—if they like. Sharing those reflections can happen at home as well. The connection of home with school solidifies good citizenship, and communicates a united front.