Digital Citizenship
Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behaviour.
A) Internet Safety - A digitally literate person stays safe on the Internet by employing strategies such as distinguishing between inappropriate contact and positive connections. The student:
A) Internet Safety - A digitally literate person stays safe on the Internet by employing strategies such as distinguishing between inappropriate contact and positive connections. The student:
- DA1 - understands that he/she can go to exciting places online, but needs to follow certain rules to remain safe. (K-2)
- DA2 - understands that he/she should stay safe online by choosing websites that are good for him/her to visit, and avoids sites that are not appropriate for him/her. (3-5)
- DA3 - acknowledges the benefits of online talk and messaging, but knows how to handle situations or online behavior which may make them feel uncomfortable. (6-9)
Proposed Lesson Plans
DA1 - Safe Sites for Kids
DA1 - Webonauts
DA2 - Age Appropriate Websites
DA3 - Getting Out of a Sticky Situation
Additional Resources
Owls - has information on privacy concerns and safe internet practices for kids.
Digital Passport - account registration required
Media Smarts - information about a variety of digital citizenship issues and concerns
CyberSmart how to be safe online
more digital citizenship resources
Google digital citizenship lessons
Amazing digital citizenship resources and lessons from edutopia
globaldigitalcitizen
Digital Passport - account registration required
Media Smarts - information about a variety of digital citizenship issues and concerns
CyberSmart how to be safe online
more digital citizenship resources
Google digital citizenship lessons
Amazing digital citizenship resources and lessons from edutopia
globaldigitalcitizen
An OLTD course assignment with particular relevance: Resource Package Submission
B) Privacy and Security - A digitally literate person knows how to protect his/her privacy, respects the privacy of others, and employs strategies to maintain information and data security online. The student:
- DB1 - is aware that many websites ask for information that is private and knows how to responsibly handle such requests. (K-2)
- DB2 - understands the reasons why people use passwords, the benefits of using passwords, and knows strategies for creating and keeping strong, secure passwords. (K-2)
- DB3 - understands that the purpose of product websites is to encourage buying the product and is aware of methods used to promote products on these sites. (K-2)
- DB4 - understands not to reveal private information to a person they know only online. (3-5)
- DB5 - knows how to create secure passwords in order to protect their private information and accounts online. (3-5)
- DB6 - knows what spam is, the forms it takes, and can identify strategies for dealing with it. (3-5)
- DB7 - understands that children’s websites must protect their private information and how to identify these secure sites by looking for their privacy policies and privacy seals of approval. (3-5)
- DB8 - knows strategies for guarding against identity theft and scams that try to access his/her private information online. (6-9)
- DB9 - understands the concept of privacy in their everyday lives, and as it relates to using the Internet. (10-12)
- DB10 - understands the ways websites and companies collect data online and utilize it to personalize content for their users, as well as consider companies’ motives in doing so. (10-12)
Proposed Lesson Plans
DB1 - Sharing Information
DB3 - Marketing to Kids
DB4 - Don't Ask Me My Name
DB5 - Password Please
DB6 - Spam
DB7 - Children's Privacy Online
DB8 - Avoiding Identity Theft
Additional Resources
Digital Passport - account registration required
Media Smarts He Shoots He Scores - product promotion in advertisements (alcohol) lesson
Media Smarts - information about a variety of digital citizenship issues and concerns
Know the Net - internet safety for kids
DB9 Sharing information
Google digital citizenship lessons
Media Smarts He Shoots He Scores - product promotion in advertisements (alcohol) lesson
Media Smarts - information about a variety of digital citizenship issues and concerns
Know the Net - internet safety for kids
DB9 Sharing information
Google digital citizenship lessons
C) Relationships and Communication - A digitally literate person understands the risks and benefits of developing online relationships and uses technology to communicate effectively and respectfully. The student:
- DC1 - uses email to communicate with real people within his/her school, family, and community. (K-2)
- DC2 - understands how the ability for people to communicate online can unite a community. (K-2)
- DC3 - understands what it means to be responsible to and respectful of his/her offline and online communities as a way to learn how to be a good digital citizen. (3-5)
- DC4 - demonstrates responsibility and respectfulness in his/her online communications and communities. (3-5)
- DC5 - is aware of the benefits of online communication and able to handle situations of
online behaviour that may make him or her uncomfortable. (6-9) - DC6 - is aware of the different pressures teens face when it come to editing, posting, and commenting on photos online. (10-12)
- DC7 - thinks critically about the risks and responsibilities of developing relationships with people online. (10-12)
- DC8 - understands the concepts of ethical behaviour and online ethics. (10-12)
- DC9 - can identify and participate responsibly in online networks that foster positive community. (10-12)
Proposed Lesson Plans
DC2 - Forums Create Community
DC4 - Netiquette
DC5 - Getting Out of a Sticky Situation
DC6 - Pressure to Post
Additional Resources
D) Cyberbullying - A digitally literate person recognizes cyberbullying and knows how to deal with it. The student:
- DD1 - understands what cyberbullying means and what he/she can do when he/she encounters it. (K-2)
- DD2 - understands how it feels to be cyberbullied, how cyberbullying is similar to or different than in-person bullying, and strategies for handling cyberbullying when it arises. (3-5)
- DD3 - understands that he/she may get online messages from other kids that can make him/her feel angry, hurt, sad, or fearful. (3-5)
- DD4 - distinguishes good-natured teasing from cyberbullying. (6-9)
- DD5 - understands the difference between being a passive bystander and an active intervener in cyberbullying situations. (6-9)
- DD6 - appreciates that cruelty can escalate quickly online because people are often anonymous and posts spread quickly. (10-12)
- DD7 - understands the dynamics of online cruelty and how it affects all of the people involved. (10-12)
Proposed Lesson Plans
Additional Resources
Digital Passport - account registration required
On Guard Online
Media Smarts - information about a variety of digital citizenship issues and concerns
Google digital citizenship lessons
On Guard Online
Media Smarts - information about a variety of digital citizenship issues and concerns
Google digital citizenship lessons
E) Digital Footprint and Reputation - A digitally literate person is aware that his/her activities on the Internet leave a permanent "digital footprint" or "trail" and behaves accordingly. The student:
- DE1 - understands that the information they put online leaves a digital footprint or “trail.” This trail can be big or small, helpful or hurtful, depending on how he/she manages it. (K-2)
- DE2 - is aware that he/she has a digital footprint and that this information can be searched, copied, and passed on, and that he/she can take some control based on what he/she posts online. (6-9)
- DE3 - understands the benefits of sharing information online and the potential risks of sharing inappropriate information. (9-12)
- DE4 - understands that everything they or anyone else posts about them online becomes part of a public online presence known as a digital footprint. (9-12)
- DE5 - understands his/her responsibility to protect the privacy of others when posting information about them online. (9-12)
Proposed Lesson Plans
Additional Resources
F) Self-image and Identity - A digitally literate person understands the nature of self-image and identity in the online environment, how our perceptions of others and our social values may be manipulated, and that people may not be what or whom they appear to be online. The student:
- DF1 - is aware that photographic images can be digitally manipulated for positive purposes or to mislead us, and can distort of our perceptions of beauty and health. (3-5)
- DF2 - understands how the media can play a powerful role in shaping our ideas about girls and boys. (3-5)
- DF3 - understands the social nature of digital media and technologies, and has basic vocabulary and knowledge for discussing the media landscape. (6-9)
- DF4 - is aware of his/her media habits and the array of media he/she uses on a weekly basis, and the role of digital media in his/her life. (6-9)
- DF5 - understands that presenting themselves in different ways online carries both benefits and risks. (6-9)
- DF6 - is aware of the gender stereotypes that exist in video games, virtual worlds and elsewhere on the Internet. (6-9)
- DF7 - understands the different pressures teens face when it comes to editing, posting, and commenting on photos online. (10-12)
- DF8 - is aware of how he/she and others represent themselves online, and the relationship between online and offline selves (10-12)
Proposed Lesson Plans
DF1 - Photoshopping Beauty
DF2 - Kick Like a Girl
DF5 - First Impressions
DF6 - Gender Stereotypes in Video Games
DF7 - Pressure to Post
Additional Resources
Media Smarts - information about a variety of digital citizenship issues and concerns
G) Creative Credit and Copyright - A digitally literate person respects other's ownership of their digital creations. The student:
- DG1 - understands the concept of having ownership over creative work. (K-2)
- DG2 - understands the concept of plagiarism, and when and how it is okay to use the work of others. (3-5)
- DG3 - understands copyright and licence rules, fair use, and the rights he/she has as a creator. (6-9)
- DG4 - understands the legal and ethical dimensions of respecting creative work. (10-12)
- DG5 - distinguishes between taking inspiration from the creative work of others and appropriating that work without permission. (10-12)
- DG6 - considers both the benefits and drawbacks of using collective intelligence (crowdsourcing) in different contexts. (10-12)
Proposed Lesson Plans
Additional Resources
Digital Passport - account registration required
DG3 - Canada copyright law info
Creative Commons
Google digital citizenship lessons
DG3 - Canada copyright law info
Creative Commons
Google digital citizenship lessons
H) Legal and Ethical Aspects - A digitally literate person behaves appropriately and in a socially responsible way in digital environments, demonstrating awareness and knowledge of legal and ethical aspects on the use of ICT and digital content. The student:
- DH1 - communicates and collaborates with others in accordance with codes of conduct appropriate to the context. (3-5)
- DH2 - considers legal and ethical principles of use and publication of information. (6-9)
- DH3 - knows there are different ways of licensing intellectual property production, understands differences between using copyright, public domain, “Copyleft” and/or creative commons licenses. (10-12)
- DH4 - has an advanced sense of suitable behaviour, finely tuned to media context, audience and legal provisions. (10-12)
Proposed Lesson Plans
Additional Resources
I) Balanced Attitude Towards Technology - A digitally literate person demonstrates an informed, open-minded, and balanced attitude towards information society and the use of digital technology, is curious, aware of opportunities and new developments, and is comfortable to explore and exploit them. The student:
- DI1 - understands that the digital environment can make things better or worse depending on how we use it. (3-5)
- DI2 - exhibits a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity. (6-9)
- DI3 - has a positive, but realistic attitude towards the benefits and risks associated with information technologies. (6-9)
- DI4 - assesses and reduces/avoids technology related threats to his/her health. (6-9)
- DI5 - has a general level of confidence to experiment with new technologies, but also to reject inappropriate technologies. (6-9)
- DI6 - manages the potentially distracting aspects of working digitally. (6-9)
- DI7 - exhibits a positive attitude towards learning about emerging digital technologies. (6-9)
- DI8 - advocates and practices safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology. (10-12)
- DI9 - exhibits leadership as a digital citizen. (10-12)
- DI10 - is aware of the discourse on both the issues and the opportunities involved in new media. (10-12)
Proposed Lesson Plans
DI1 - For Better or For Worse
DI4 - Benefits and Risks of Technology
DI4 - Ergonomics and You
DI5 - Try New Things
DI6 - Driven to Distraction
Additional Resources
Edjudo - tools and resource list
Cool Tools for Schools - tools and resource list
Imaturestudent - list of web tools
apps for education
Cool Tools for Schools - tools and resource list
Imaturestudent - list of web tools
apps for education
J) Understanding and Awareness of the Role of ICT in Society - A digitally literate person understands the broader context of use and development of information and communication technology. The student:
- DJ1 - understands the role of ICT in everyday life, in social life and at work. (6-9)
- DJ2 - is aware of environmental issues related to the use of digital technologies. (6-9)
- DJ3 - is aware of the general trends within new media even if he/she does not use them. (10-12)
- DJ4 - understands the wider context of digital tools in a 'digital age' characterised by globalisation and networks. (10-12)
Proposed Lesson Plans
Additional Resources
Digital Citizenship in Schools by Mike Ribble
Picture from: www.tidesinc.org
Digital Citizenship in the Intermediate Classroom and all the lesson plans contained within it authored by Kristin Sward are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.