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Teaching children responsibility in a digital world
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IN today’s world, we so seamlessly interact with technology every day that it’s difficult to believe that there once was a time without smartphones or tablets. Many children today can’t even imagine that there once was a time when they couldn’t “Google” an answer to any question they might possibly have. However, with the rapid expansion of technology comes the responsibility to teach children how to be good digital citizens who understand the societal and cultural contexts of technology.
Digital citizenship is a core focus of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) lessons for students of all ages at Yew Chung International School of Shanghai (YCIS). In addition to learning about device basics and integrating technology as a tool in nearly every subject area, YCIS students are taught how to conduct themselves appropriately and safely in a digital world. Christopher Wescott, Department Head of Secondary Technology Education at the Century Park Campus explains, “Some things we teach students are not only technology skills but are also social skills. For instance, online security is a hot topic today. We teach kids how to safely manage their passwords and to make good decisions online, similar to how they would choose to share information with strangers.”
A large benefit of technology is how easy it is to share information and to reach anyone, anytime, anywhere. Daniel Horwood, ICT Teacher at the school’s Century Park Campus, tells students to reflect their best selves online. He says, “Our students learn about their own ‘digital footprint,’ and we remind them that what they post today remains online forever.”
In addition to learning about best practices for using online tools, YCIS’s digital citizen lessons teach students how to have a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity. Jerry, a Year 11 student at YCIS’s Century Park Campus, has taken these digital citizen lessons to heart and is leading technology initiatives on campus. He has established an afterschool club where students dive deeper into the technology lessons they learn in class, and they teach each other advanced skills such as computer-aided art, design, and programing. Jerry also created his own video about embracing opportunities with new technology, and he even took the leadership to get permission to present the video to Lower Secondary students to inspire them to also make a positive impact on campus.
Technology is a fantastic tool, when used correctly. By teaching students how to manage their digital world responsibly, schools can help create forward-thinking students who know how best to use technology to
Improve their own and others’ lives.
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