When I am all finished with my degree and have gotten my contract, teaching lessons aimed towards digital citizenship will be a priority. Technology is a major part of our day-to-day lives, and this will only continue to grow as time goes on. Digital citizenship is about understanding how to use technology safely, responsibly, and respectfully. It’s important because we spend so much time online, and we need to know how to navigate that space effectively. Throughout my lessons, I will incorporate the 9 elements of digital citizenship due to how important they are. I personally believe that these should be common knowledge because they cover everything from understanding your rights and responsibilities online to knowing how to protect your personal information. For example, we’ll talk about digital etiquette, which means being kind and respectful in our online interactions, just like we are in person. We’ll also learn about digital literacy, which is the ability to find, evaluate, and use information online.

One key element we will explore is digital communication. This involves understanding the different ways we can communicate online and how to do so effectively. We will discuss the importance of clear and respectful communication, the potential for misunderstandings in text-based communication, and the appropriate platforms for different types of messages. Another essential element is digital rights and responsibilities. We will also explore digital health and wellness, focusing on how to maintain a healthy balance between online and offline activities. This involves discussing the impact of screen time on physical and mental health and strategies for managing it effectively.

In order to create engaging lessons that grab the attention of students, I’ll need to incorporate activities that allow us to practice these skills. By having a firsthand account of how these things work, I hope students will be more engaged and see the importance of digital citizenship as a whole. We might create digital projects, discuss current events related to technology, and even role-play different online scenarios. By the end of the year, my goal is for everyone to feel confident and informed about their online presence and to understand how to be a positive digital citizen. By focusing on these elements, we can create a classroom environment where everyone feels safe and respected, both online and offline. This will help us not only in school but in our everyday life as we continue to use technology in various ways.