Tool #11

Our world has rapidly changed into a digital world where information is shared instantly via the Internet. Because of this fact, teachers have to instruct their students on how to be productive members of the digital community. One the most important concepts I want my students to learn is how to be safe on the Internet. Students need to know what information is appropriate to share with others and what can can be potentially dangerous. Students need to know how to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate sites and pieces of information, and be responsible enough to report it. Another really important idea that students need to understand is how to be digitally literate. They need to feel comfortable navigating the many different programs and applications available to them in order to maximize their learning experience. A third standard of digital citizenship that needs to be met by my students is digital etiquette. Students need to know the proper conduct to have while using the web. Each of these ideas need to be taught before the students embark on a project or use the Internet. The expectations need to be clearly defined just like those used within the classroom setting, so as to ensure a productive learning environment.