Tool #10 Digital Citizenship

If we want our students to be good digital citizens, then teachers need to take the lead role and set expectations for the students. It is also imperative that the teachers themselves are somewhat knowledgeable with the tools the students are being asked to use; I don't think it is necessary to know all the ins and outs of the device/tool, but to have a working knowledge on how to get the students started and where to get help if need be.

It is important for the students and teachers to understand why it is important to teach Safety and Etiquette to students. We can't just take it for granted that because students have an iPhone, iTouch, iPad, computers, or cell phones that they understand the impact of its misuse or even how it could be misused. Since our students have these devices, it's best for teachers to be proactive and show them how they can be used to their advantage and not just turn a blind eye believing that the students will use their devices responsibly.

The classroom teacher should have a poster in the classroom describing the appropriate way to use the devices; and what is acceptable, not acceptable, and what will not be tolerated. There should also be a poster describing how to properly post to a blog, facebook, etc. It is also important for students to understand the consequences for not following the rules.