Introduction
Good morning! Today, the Maine Department of Education is here to talk about getting started with remote learning and the importance of online safety and digital citizenship.
Introducing the Speakers
Today’s co-hosts are Mo Banks, the Secondary Digital Learning and Computer Science Specialist, and John Graham, the Elementary Digital Learning Specialist.
Online Safety
Online safety refers to knowing how to protect oneself and support healthy interactions when using the internet. It includes being aware of internet privacy, appropriate online behaviors, and ways to stay safe while using the internet. It is important to understand the difference between personal and private information, as well as being cautious about sharing personal information online.
Protecting Personal Information
When it comes to protecting personal information, it is crucial to create secure passwords, use different passwords for different accounts, and avoid sharing too much personal information, such as home addresses or favorite foods, with everyone online.
Sharing Photographs
Sharing photographs online should also be done with caution. Photos can reveal personal information, like license plate numbers or one’s physical appearance, which can be misused by others. Facial recognition tools can also identify individuals through photographs, so it is important to be mindful of what photos are shared online.
Awareness of Scams and Phishing
There are various risks associated with online interactions, such as scams, phishing attempts, and malware. It is important to be aware of these risks and to avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing personal information with unknown sources. Educating students about these risks and teaching them to be discerning online can help protect them from potential harm.
Digital Citizenship
Digital citizenship is about being responsible and respectful when using technology. It involves understanding one’s membership in an online community and responding appropriately to others. It also includes being aware of one’s rights, responsibilities, and the ethical considerations that come with being an active participant in the digital world.
The Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship
There are nine key elements of digital citizenship:
- Access: Ensuring equal access to technology and online learning resources.
- Commerce: Understanding ethical considerations when making online purchases or engaging in online business.
- Communication: Communicating effectively and respectfully in online interactions.
- Law: Understanding digital copyright laws, plagiarism, and the consequences of infringing upon them.
- Literacy: Developing digital literacy skills to effectively use technology.
- Security: Taking precautions to ensure online safety and protect personal information.
- Etiquette: Following appropriate online conduct and netiquette guidelines.
- Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding one’s rights and responsibilities as a digital citizen.
- Health and Wellness: Promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being while engaging in online activities.
Incorporating Online Safety and Digital Citizenship
When incorporating online safety and digital citizenship into remote learning, it is important to establish classroom norms and expectations. Students should be aware of the dos and don’ts of online behavior and understand the importance of being responsible digital citizens. Teachers should model these behaviors and provide resources and lessons on online safety and digital citizenship.
Resources for Online Safety and Digital Citizenship
Common Sense Media provides a variety of resources, including lesson plans, infographics, and videos, for teaching online safety and digital citizenship. These resources can be used to integrate the concepts of digital citizenship into existing lessons and discussions in the classroom.
Conclusion
Online safety and digital citizenship are important aspects of remote learning. By educating students about online safety and encouraging responsible digital citizenship, we can empower them to be confident and competent digital learners. Remember, it is crucial to establish classroom norms and expectations, and to provide resources and lessons that align with the nine elements of digital citizenship. Together, we can create a safe and positive online learning environment.
Discussion Questions
- How can we empower students to be responsible digital citizens?
- How can we integrate the concepts of digital citizenship into our existing lessons?
- What are some practical ways to ensure online safety in a remote learning environment?
- How can we help students develop digital literacy skills while promoting their health and wellness in the digital world?
- How can parents and the community be involved in teaching and reinforcing online safety and digital citizenship?
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