In today’s world, we teach students how to read, write, and problem-solve—but are we doing enough to prepare them for the realities of the digital age? This question was the driving force behind my final major project for my master’s program: integrating digital citizenship into the Saskatchewan Health 9 curriculum.
And let me tell you, this was no small task.
The Challenge: Embedding, Not Overloading
Teachers are already juggling so much, from hitting curriculum outcomes to engaging a classroom full of diverse learners. The last thing they need is another standalone unit that feels like extra work. That’s why it was critical for me to develop a resource that EMBEDS digital citizenship naturally into the Health 9 curriculum, rather than piling it on top.
Why Health 9? Well, Health 9 outcomes already touch on critical topics like mental health, community safety, relationships, and nutrition—all of which intersect beautifully with digital citizenship. Think about it: you can’t talk about community safety without addressing cybersecurity, or explore mental health without discussing the impact of social media. The connections were already there, just waiting to be brought to life.
The Solution: Practical and Visual Resources
I wanted this project to be more than just a theoretical exercise. I wanted it to be practical, easy to use, and visually engaging for busy educators. That’s how the Integrated Digital Citizenship Resource for Health 9 was born.
Each unit—whether it’s about mental health, relationships, or nutrition—includes:
- Focus outcomes from the Saskatchewan curriculum.
- Digital citizenship elements from experts like Mike Ribble and Common Sense Education.
- Topics covered that blend health education with digital literacy.
- Technology tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and Kahoot to make lessons interactive and exciting.
Plus, I created a visual poster and quick tips guide for integrating digital citizenship into ANY course. It’s like having a roadmap for educators who want to empower students in both the physical and digital worlds.
Why This Matters
Teaching digital citizenship is no longer optional. Our students live in a world where the digital and real worlds are intertwined. From learning how to evaluate credible sources to setting healthy boundaries online, these skills are as essential as algebra and essay writing (arguably more so!).
The beauty of this resource is that it doesn’t ask teachers to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it offers simple, actionable ways to weave digital citizenship into the curriculum they’re already teaching. It’s not about adding more work—it’s about amplifying what’s already there.
The Hope: Easy Integration, Real Impact
My goal with this project was simple: to give teachers tools they can actually use. Whether it’s a quick Kahoot quiz on healthy relationships or a Canva project for creating a digital safety campaign, these resources are designed to make digital citizenship feel approachable and meaningful.
More importantly, they’re designed to make an impact. By equipping students with the skills to navigate the digital world responsibly, we’re setting them up for success—not just in the classroom, but in life.
What’s Next?
I hope these resources find their way into classrooms across Saskatchewan and beyond. And I hope they inspire teachers to think about how they can integrate digital citizenship into their own courses.
Because the truth is, the digital world isn’t going anywhere. But with the right tools, we can ensure our students are ready to thrive in it.
So, fellow educators: let’s do this. Let’s empower the next generation of digital citizens—one lesson at a time.
Want to check out the resources? Scan the QR codes on the posters, or shoot me a message. Let’s collaborate and make digital citizenship a part of every classroom!
Stay inspired,
Allysia Doratti, M.Ed. Candidate
