Tool #11 Digital Citizenship

One of our units in Social Studies is teaching about being a good citizen. We discuss the qualities of a good citizen...what does one look like, sound like, and act like. We model examples of being a good citizen and not being a good citizen. Now that technology is a major part of our world and our classroom, I think digital citizenship should naturally be a part of our curriculum and teaching. Students must understand the proper way to use technology as well as the improper. Kids always get a kick out of the "incorrect" way to do things. I can model something as simple as deleting someone's hard work and the consequences or I could do something even more serious, such as posting something on a blog that should not be posted! I think the kids would see first hand the effects these 2 actions would have and how it is NOT showing digital citizenship! I want my kids to understand that once you act and do something, you cannot erase it, it is done and you must face the consequences. In addition I want my students to know that they can trust me and be honest with me. If they make a mistake, please let me know. Finally, I want my students to know that they must follow the rules just as any other rules and guidelines we have. Using analogies will be a major part of my digital citizenship lesson so that students can connect to what I am saying!