Thing 1 to think about kids....technology is there as a resource. In school, we are here to learn, and share our thinking about what we learned. We usually have a question we need to answer when we go to the internet. It is a really fast way to answer questions, and that is what makes it great. All the information is out there free to everyone, but there is so much!!! So one of our responsibilities is to share what we learned, and discuss it. Not everything out there is reliable too. We must have debate as to the validity of information and identify what is the source. BIG time remember, if you use a site in your "work" you must give the site credit.
Thing 2 to think about kids....if you were going to do all your learning on a computer, you would stay at home and not need to be at school. More and more society is becoming intraverted and partners more with their phone/technology, than the people they would normally talk to casually every day. There is a time and a place for technology and we must still be social humans. Good communication skills are still needed, and we must use them in both settings. Maybe I will call it "Mobile Tech Manners". It is rude to go to your phone or itouch or computer while in mid conversation. Some times it is easier to just talk to someone, and there is nothing quite like picking up a book and reading on paper!
Thing 3 to think about kids....is that what ever you put "out there" in cyper space may be read by ANYONE. This is a double edged sword. Your ideas can be shared, you can meet extraordinary people, or keep in touch with far away friends and family. You also need to keep your thoughts clear and have respect for your words. You want your identity to true to yourself. Many discussions will need to be had about not bullying, being bullied, keeping it "real", keeping it clean, and safe guarding your privacy.
If we give kids the access to these devices, they must know all their qualities, good and bad. It is like a sharp knife for making dinner, but never telling them it can cut skin too.
Erika, your three points are excellent. I especially like your comment about a sharp knife. I want to focus on digital citizenship during September. I'll assist you whenever and however. I enjoyed working with 4th grade last year, so I hope to do the same this year.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, I think we need to include parents in our digital citizenship and online safety piece.
Way to go on completing your 11 Tools! You are so good with technology, but I am here to help you, so please ask. Looking forward to "Learning on the Wild Side" with you in 2010-2011!