Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1480924
Instagram Influencers projecting physical perfection Cyberbullying in texts and on social media TikTok challenges that encourage harmful — sometimes deadly — acts O D AY 'S C H I L D R E N and youth live in an ever-evolving digital world that is not always kind. Along with parents and guardians, educators can help students learn to make good digital choices — especially since students' online activity — both good and bad — may be viewable in perpetuity. It has become increasingly important for educators to teach digital citizenship and encourage students to use the internet as a means for good. "We grew up with teachers showing us how to be good citi- zens in our community by being a good friend, being a leader, helping others and following rules," says Rohya Prudhomme, an instructional technology facilitator for Los Angeles Unified School District. "Our students need the same skills to engage in digital spaces. These digital spaces are not just for fun or play ; they are real communities for our students. is is their world. So, it's vitally important to equip them with the tools to be successful in navigating these online spaces, such as com- municating with empathy and compassion and collaborating with one another." Prudhomme, a United Teachers Los Angeles member, teams up with teachers at multiple sites to support schools with their implementation of digital citizenship, the International Society for Technology in Education standards, and computer science. As a Common Sense Media (CSM) Certified Educator, she is trained to help students think critically and use technol- ogy responsibly. "ere are many misconceptions about what digital citizen- ship is — and isn't," she observes. What exactly is digital citizenship? In the physical world, good citizenship means not being disrup- tive in class, being respectful and helping others. Being a good digital citizen has many of the same aspects, only virtually. Teaching students to use their digital power with care — and to make the world better By Sherry Posnick-Goodwin Citizenship Digital Deposit Photos 18 cta.org Feature