Norms and Responsibilities

As a language teacher, I have found that students really need to have several responsibilities when working in a digital world. Many students do not see the importance of giving credit where it is due. This needs to be taught throughout elementary, middle, and high school. While working with middle school students, I have found that they need to know the "why." It is our responsibility as educators to teach them the why right away at the beginning of the year and continuing to have these "mini lessons" anytime an online resource is used.

Along with finding the importance of giving credit to other authors, we also need to be able to show them what is appropriate norms. This includes using online sources, videos, and pictures that are appropriate for their classroom use and user use. This can begin with teaching students how to search for different items that will be beneficial to their learning.

It is the teachers, students, and guardians responsibilities to reiterate these two responsibilities when working on digital citizenship. This will prepare them with 21st Century skills and skills needed to be successful in the future in higher education.

Kaitlyn, I agree that one of the norms of digital citizenship should be giving credit to online resources.  It is not something that can be taught one time and then expect students to remember the lesson.  Mini lessons constantly need to be taught and in all content areas.  Digital collection of information isn't just happening in the ELA classroom, it is happening in every classroom and each teacher needs to continue to support this instruction.