Digital Citizenship Reminders

During the first few weeks of school students reviewed the Spofford Pond Digital Citizenship rules. After going through our Acceptable Use Policy (A.U.P.), examining the rules and watching some safety tip videos, students signed the digital citizenship contract, pledging to follow the rules. 

In today's digital age, elementary schools are more than just classrooms for traditional subjects. They play a vital role in molding young minds into responsible digital citizens. This transformation is made possible through the implementation of Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs).

What is Digital Citizenship?

Digital citizenship encompasses the responsible and ethical use of technology. It involves skills like digital literacy, online etiquette, privacy awareness, critical thinking, and cyberbullying prevention.

The Importance of Acceptable Use Policies (AUPs)
AUPs are essential in elementary schools for several reasons:

• Setting Guidelines: AUPs establish clear rules for using technology in school, helping students understand what's expected.
• Empowering Students: They educate students about their digital rights and responsibilities, empowering them to make informed choices online.
• Ensuring Safety: AUPs emphasize online safety, protecting students from potential risks like cyberbullying and inappropriate content.
• Promoting Respect: AUPs foster respectful and responsible online behavior, teaching students to be considerate digital citizens.
• Involving Parents: They involve parents, creating a school-home partnership to reinforce responsible digital behavior.

Life-Long Skills
AUPs don't just prepare students for school; they equip them with life-long skills. These skills are valuable for higher education, future careers, and personal life.  Moreover, AUPs cultivate a culture of accountability and respect in the school community, shaping students into empathetic, critical thinkers who contribute positively to the digital world.

Elementary schools have a broader mission today: nurturing responsible digital citizens. Acceptable Use Policies are the key to achieving this goal. By teaching digital citizenship through AUPs, schools prepare students for success in the digital era while creating a safer and more respectful online environment for all.

Technology Essential Questions:

What does it mean to be a Digital Citizen?
What are our rights and responsibilities as Digital Citizens?

What can students do to keep themselves safe when working online?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

3-5.CAS.a; 3-5.CAS.b; 6-8.CAS.a; 6-8.CAS.b