Digital Citizenship Manual

Benjamin Estes 6 digital… 2015

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Digital CitizenshipAll our educational stakeholders - teachers, administrators, students,

and parents - want our children to succeed in the 21st century. A vital part of doing that is learning to adapt to our ever-changing technology. This manual is designed to give your student the tools and guidance necessary to navigate the digital world both today, and as it evolves. We take pride in our effort to provide our students with the skills needed to leave a positive digital footprint as they further their education.

What is Digital Citizenship?

Digital Citizenship can be defined as “The quality of habits, actions, and consumption patterns that impact the ecology of digital content and communities.” To explain that in simpler terms, digital citizenship is the use of responsible behavior when engaging in any form of technology (Definition of Digital Citizenship)

Technology is being pushed more today than it ever has. This trend has no immediate end in sight. Much like radio and television before it, the internet has made a profound impact on our global society. What once could take you years to search for in library archives can now be found with a simple Google search. Our students will be developing in this environment; and as educators it is our job to help nurture their progress. Current students have greater access to information than any generation before them. Educationally, this is very exciting. The need for a positive digital footprint has become more and more evident as our technology continues to evolve. It’s up to everyone to ensure we all have a positive impact on the world through technology.

Cell Phone/Device Policy

BYOD stands for Bring Your Own Device. Cell phone and other device use is a crucial step in our goal to educate our students. These devices are used by them everyday when away from school. Instead of dragging our feet and restricting access (in effect, restricting learning) we must allow our students a safe environment to explore the digital frontier. Students will be allowed to use these devices to access apps, websites, their cameras, and other gadget functions to complete specific tasks in the classroom. All students expecting to follow the BYOD policy, or use any school device, must have their parent or guardian sign the Acceptable Use Policy form. This form allows your student to safely and securely access the technological opportunities at our school.

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BYOD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSXyfX8ABhA

BYOD in the 21st Century Classroom

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Social MediaSocial Media is the future of

communication; a countless array of internet based tools and platforms that increase and enhance the sharing of information. Social Media is relevant both inside and outside of school. Types of Social Media include blogs, social networking, wikis, media sharing, email, messaging, and social bookmarking sites. Students today use this technology so often it’s almost reflexive.

Popular sites used by students include Facebook, Instagram, Kik, Tumblr, Blogger, Flickr, and Vine. Others are always developing, so don’t be surprised if this list is outdated by the time you finish reading it.

Approved Social Media could be anything where a student is reviewing, receiving, or creating information; so long as it meets the guidelines set by this manual and the school district’s handbook (Social Media Defined).

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SOCIAL NETWORKING POLICY All users of Social Media must be in

compliance with all state and local school board rules. Social Networking will not be a distraction from learning. All students expecting to use Social Media in the classroom must follow the teacher’s instructions at all times. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated and could include, but is not limited to, cyberbullying, sexploitation, pornography, plagiarism or copyright infringement, cyber hacking, terrorist threats, defamatory or discriminatory images or statements, and any release of confidential student or educational materials.

Any inappropriate behavior will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Possible consequences include warnings, suspension of use, restrictions, school suspension, or expulsion.

Remember, you are responsible for your behavior. It’s our goal as educators to guide you in your journey to proper usage. Anything you post could potentially be seen by millions. Think before you post; “is this positive for myself, my peers, and our school?”

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Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites (Cyberbullying).

Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, hurtful or threatening messages through messaging apps, rumors posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, creating fake profiles, or even online retaliation against a cyberbully.

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying 2014Bullying…

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What happens to Cyberbullies?When accusations of cyberbullying are reported, the administration

will investigate all claims. The results of their inquiry will determine the severity of the punishment. Written statements will be taken from all students involved (accused or otherwise). After all material has been reviewed, the administration will then rule on offenses on a case-by-case basis. Any false accusations will not be handled lightly; have your evidence before you report cyberbullying. We recommend the student feeling bullied screenshot any and all exchanges, posts, or messages with the accused so they will have a record of what transpired. If any illegal acts or activities are reported the administration will turn the matter over to local law enforcement.

Anti-Bullying Blog

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Email SafetyAll students will be provided a school issued email address. While an

older “member” of the digital world, email is still relied on heavily to transfer files and share information. Our students will be well versed in proper email etiquette, including taking precautions to protect themselves and others.

There are several ways to protect yourself from viruses or information leaks through emails. Here are a few steps students can take:

– Don't open emails from someone you don't know or trust.– Avoid sending any sensitive information over email.– Never open an attachment within an email from a company or person you don't know (or that you were not

expecting).– Never reply to or click on links inside spam emails.– Use a spam filter.– Use anti-virus software.– Remember to log out/sign out– Change your password frequently and don't share it with anyone.– Avoid unsolicited bulk mail.9 Tips for Internet Safety

Keeping

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Internet/Browser SafetyUsing the internet and web browsers is similar to behavior in a

classroom; as long as you know the rules and abide by them, you will have a lot of fun and success. The rules for protecting yourself are very similar to the rules for email use.

When writing and posting online follow these guidelines:– Keep your online identity secret– Keep your passwords secret– Remember that anything you post could potentially be on the internet somewhere forever– Never meet strangers from online in person (without the accompaniment of your parent or guardian)– Teach your parents how to navigate online; it will help you both– Report any online activity that makes you uncomfortable to the counselor, a teacher, or your parents

Our faculty and staff are trained to work hard at monitoring students online activity in their classrooms. However, we ask parents and guardians to take an active role in knowing what sites your child visits and how they interact on those sites. If our staff becomes aware of any personal student information being released online, we will contact the parents or guardians so they can handle the matter. In order to use the internet at school, all students and their parents or guardians must sign the Acceptable Use Policy (Teen Internet Safety Tips).

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Copyright and PlagiarismCopyright laws protect an original work, meaning anything created,

published, or made by an individual is not allowed to be used anywhere without their permission. While there are “fair-use” laws to allow certain use of copyrighted materials, we stress to our students to check with their teachers before using anyone else’s material.

Plagiarism, on the other hand, is the act of using someone else’s materials and passing them off as your own. While this can sometimes be attributed to an honest mistake, we teach our students to source and cite information to avoid stealing anyone else’s work (PSU Libraries).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWCUTn5C8aI

Copyright and Plagiarism

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Digital AccessAll of our students will have digital

access. While we hope all students can provide their own devices, we do have chromebooks, laptops, and tablets available for students who need them. Teachers will collaborate on the use of these devices (Digital Citizenship).

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Personal DevicesAs discussed in the BYOD section, we encourage our students to use

their own devices at school. They are already familiar with them, so little to no learning curve is needed. All classroom usage will be monitored by our teachers. Anyone not using the device as the teacher is currently instructing, will be disciplined accordingly. These devices could be used to create videos, post educational tweets, play review games, or for taking a quiz.

Schools 2012

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School Provided EquipmentThe school has Chromebooks and iPads available for occasional use for

any student in need. This will allow all students to have a similar experience when it comes to participating in classroom technology activities. Like the BYOD rules, students will still be expected to follow all system and local school guidelines when using these devices.

Teachers

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Classroom Computer Rules• No food or drink is allowed in the classroom (occasional exceptions will

be made for bottles of water).• Log into the computer/tablet/cell phone with your login credentials.• Work only on the assignment(s) given to you by your teacher. If you have

completed your task raise your hand and let your teacher know.• Do not download any software, apps, or files without checking with your

teacher first.• Do not hide windows from the teacher’s view.• Close all windows, browsers, and apps when the class period is

completed.• Do not forget to log out of the device you were using.

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Acceptable Use PolicyWe are here as educators to improve the lives of our students. To do

that, we have put in place guidelines in order to protect the safety of our students. These guidelines are not meant as restrictions to hinder the progress of our students; they are actually in place to help them reach their potential in a safe, nurturing environment. All students using the internet in our system are expected to abide by all the rules in place. Students retain all responsibility for their use of technology while in our system. This manual serves as your guide for any and all acceptable use policy questions. Please watch the embedded video for a refresher on some of the dos and don’t of our policy (Getting Started…).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKK9EYl5hdw

Acceptable Use Policy Explained

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Student Code of Conduct• I will display the same conduct online as expected of me offline.• I will not attempt to look up or share any explicit, illegal, or offensive materials.• I will obey the teachers and all instructions given by them while accessing technology.• I will use the school’s equipment (including the internet) to improve myself and the school. I will

not attempt to harm others verbally or otherwise.• I will use my own login credentials to use school equipment and will not share my information with

others.• I will not hack or attempt to access any unrestricted areas of the school’s system.• I will not attempt to destroy, break, or harm individual or school property.• I will immediately notify the teacher or person of authority if I accidentally access materials that

cause me to break the Acceptable Use Policy.• I will accept responsibility, and any consequences the administration feels I have earned, should I

choose to break any rules or guidelines listed in the Digital Citizenship Manual, Acceptable Use Policy, or Student Code of Conduct.

Student Name: _____________________________________ Date: ____________________Student Signature: __________________________________ Date: ____________________Parent/Guardian Name: ______________________________ Date: ____________________Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________ Date: ____________________

References 1 & 2

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References1. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2015, from http://www.hart.k12.mi.us/UserFiles/Servers/

Server_3266939/File/current parents/tech.pdf2. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2015, from http://www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/consultations/

question_6.pdf3. 6 digital citizenship web tools that will help you stay safe(r) online - Daily Genius. (2015, April

22). Retrieved June 2, 2015, from http://dailygenius.com/digital-citizenship-web-tools/

4. 9 tips for email safety. (n.d.). Retrieved June 3, 2015, from http://www.centurylink.com/help/help/index.php?assetid=122

5. Acceptable Use Policy Explained. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKK9EYl5hdw

6. BYOD in the 21st Century. (n.d.). Retrieved June 3, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSXyfX8ABhA

7. Bullying over social media not protected under school, state law. (n.d.). Retrieved June 3, 2015, from http://www.bearingnews.org/2013/05/bullying-social-media-protected-school-

state-law/8. Copyright and Plagiarism. (n.d.). Retrieved June 3, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/

watch?v=CWCUTn5C8aI9. Cyberbullying. (n.d.). Retrieved June 3, 2015, from http://www.stopbullying.gov/

cyberbullying/

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10. Cyberbullying - Should We Care? (2014, October 28). Retrieved June 3, 2015, from http://vidyasury.com/2014/10/stop-cyberbullying.html

11. Definition Of Digital Citzenship. (2013, May 2). Retrieved June 4, 2015, from http://www.teachthought.com/technology/the-definition-of-digital-citzenship/

12. Digital Citizenship. (n.d.). Retrieved June 3, 2015, from http://break2012.weebly.com/digital-citizenship.html

13. Getting Started on the Internet: Acceptable Use Policies. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2015, from http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr093.shtml

14. Keeping our Coastal Friends Safe with Email Safety. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2015, from http://www.coastal-realestate.com/Blog/Keeping-our-Coastal-Friends-Safe-with-Email-Safety

15. Penn State University Libraries - Copyright and Plagiarism. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2015, from https://www.libraries.psu.edu/psul/lls/students/using_information.html

16. Schools Let Students Bring Their Own Devices, Then Struggle to Keep Up - Techonomy. (2012, September 19). Retrieved June 3, 2015, from

http://techonomy.com/2012/09/schools-let-students-bring-their-own-devices-then-struggle-to-keep-up/

17. Social Media Defined. (n.d.). Retrieved June 3, 2015, from http://www.socialmediadefined.com/what-is-social-media/

18. Teachers finding Chromebooks "much more useful" than iPads. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2015, from http://www.phonearena.com/news/Teachers-finding-Chromebooks-much-

more- useful-than-iPads_id59064

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19. Teen Internet Safety Tips. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2015, from http://teens.webmd.com/features/teen-internet-safety-tips

20. The Anti-Bully Blog. (n.d.). Retrieved June 3, 2015, from http://antibullyingblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/more-cyber-bullying-tips.html