Journal # 8 NETS 4 & 5

Journal #8: Navigate the Digital Rapids - NETS-T 5

Lindsay, Davis, J., V. (2010). Navigate the digital rapids. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/20100304#pg1


How can we teach digital citizenship in todays world with constantly changing technology? This article submits that a digital teacher (digiteacher) must be up-to-date on technology trends, monitor students' use of technology, be unafraid to dive into the digital world, and create a system of student-centered learning. If these factors are present, a teacher can feel confident in overseeing students' digital citizenship.
One example given to monitor the new and ever changing technology and still engage students is the use of an educational network. Such as an educational network that is currently being used called the "Flat Classroom Project" (http://www.flatclassroomproject.org/). This project has an online network of teachers and students that use Web 2.0 tools to collaborate.By looking at information technology trends, they can guess at how technology will be affect education. All online networking sites used for the project are monitored by a teacher. This also allows these teachers to share and collaborate using blogs and wikis. One important thing digiteachers struggle to teach their students is that an education network is different from a social network. They try to teach students about the need to act professionally and be culturally sensitive. When a student uses textspeak or inappropriate pictures in the Flat Classroom Project, the teacher monitoring the situation will take appropriate action. Ongoing coaching is necessary to teach students responsibility and these networks usually have monitoring around the clock.

Will I utilize collaborative online networks for my students to work with other classrooms? Will I be fearful of poor digital citizenship?
High school students now have a keen interest in anything to do with technology. It is the education of the future, and one thing that keeps their minds entranced. I would likely use this digital learning program so my students not only stay engaged, but have a much more in depth learning experience. I am not fearful of poor digital citizenship though I should be. The key is to educate the students up front, have a classroom agreement about our online rules, and monitor. Though this may be difficult with high school students, I feel capable enough in my teaching strategies to instill the right methods into my students.

Will students show good digital citizenship if they are given responsibility for their own educational network?
Responsibility is not a word that teenagers like to hear often, but when given the opportunity, they typically live up to standards. Knowing the severe consequences for poor digital citizenship should be enough to keep the students on the right track along side teacher supervision.