Choose Your Own Adventure - Digital Citizenship for Young Students

 Choose Your Own Adventure - Digital Citizenship for Young Students

Created with the Imgflip Meme Generator and Canva

This week I chose to take a deep dive into the world of digital citizenship for young students, because, let’s face it - children have been using iPads, tablets and their parents' phones since toddlerhood.  I teach in a first grade classroom where the students use ipads to independently read or practice self-paced math programs that have been district approved.  They access these apps through Clever which is a platform that only allows students to use apps that have been previously downloaded into that one space.  It requires each student to sign in with their own personalized QR code and then students can freely navigate through apps that have been approved and placed into that platform.  It is a great safeguard for teachers; however, of course, students must be watched to ensure that they do not exit out of Clever.  That being said, this led me to my decision to investigate digital citizenship for young students.  I do not believe that first grade or even kindergarten is too young to start learning about digital citizenship and safety around technology.

The first resource that I found was actually a great YouTube video on tips to be a good digital citizen.  Tips to be a good digital citizen by CBC Kids.  This short video first defined what it means to be a digital citizen - someone who makes good choices in the online world, then it gave some brief tips on internet safety such as privacy, not believing everything you see and finally mentions how one should only use technology to help, not hurt people or to make a positive impact on the world.  

Another very thorough and valuable resource for teachers was found at: Common Sense Education.  This is an in-depth already created curriculum geared toward all ages (including younger students) that teaches about digital citizenship in an age appropriate way with tons of resources.  This site had lists of apps and websites, worksheets, vocabulary words, tips and resources, professional development, and a family newsletter.  It was GREAT! 

Another YouTube video geared towards slightly older students found here: Digital Lessons - described responsible use of technology for kids including cyberbullying, online privacy, and again, deciphering real vs. fake information found on the internet.  

Book List

In addition to videos and websites, I also generated a list of children’s books that cover many different themes involved with digital citizenship.  

Selfie by Sandy Horsley:  Sylvie, who loves to take #selfies but learns it's more important to be a good friend and to live in the moment having fun.  

The Couch Potato by Jory John

Mitsy and the Big Bad Nosy Wolf by Teresa Bateman

Staying Safe Online by Louie Stowell

Me, Myselfie and I...A Cautionary Tale by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell 

The Technology Tail by Julia Cook

Chicken Clicking by Jeannie Willis

Nerdy Birdy Tweets by Aaron Reynolds

Cell Phoney by Julia Cook

Clicker the Cat by Kyla Cullinane

I also stumbled across a blog that included SO MANY awesome book titles on the topic!

Book List - The Library Voice Blogspot

Finally - I found this Digital Citizenship Padlet https://padlet.com/shannonmmiller/picture-books-for-digital-citizenship-and-media-literacy-con-z8b16d3mqddf that included many of the same book titles that I found all condensed into one place.  

This topic is one that has many different layers based on the age of your student population.  I enjoyed researching all about it and I plan on using some of these resources with my students in the coming months.  It may be particularly helpful prior to summer time when some children may find themselves on technology more often than during the school year.  I can also share some of these resources with parents, as I am sure all parents share in concerns about technology and where it can lead young children who are not ready to be exposed to all that is out there.  

Assistive Technology in the Library

Assistive Technology in the Library

This week we are researching assistive technology that can be used in a library or media center. The motto for the district in which I teach is: “All means All”, and that hits home with this topic in education.  Another big takeaway for me this week is the reminder that assistive technology really can also help most students, not just the ones it was intended for.  Most students can benefit from the low-tech assistive technology devices such as large print, or talk to text, so in our efforts to implement AT devices, we must remember that we are not serving just a small population of our students, but rather a much larger one!

As a way of summarizing AT devices that I hope to someday be using in the library, I decided to make a top 10 list of my own.  

1. Screen Readers – Software like JAWS that enlarges or reads text on a computer screen aloud for users with visual impairments or difficulty decoding.  

2. Braille Displays – Devices that convert text on a screen into Braille, allowing blind users to read content.

3. Hands Free Microphones– Devices worn around teachers necks that connect to students hearing aids to help students hear audio more clearly.

4. Text-to-Speech Software – Programs like NaturalReader or HELP Read that convert written text into speech, aiding users with reading difficulties.

5. Magnification Software – Programs like ZoomText that allow users with low vision to magnify text and images on a screen.

6. Closed Captioning Systems – Tools that provide subtitles or captions for videos, ensuring that users with hearing impairments can follow along on smartboards or ipads.

7. Electronic Magnifiers – Handheld devices or desktop magnifiers that enlarge printed materials for individuals with visual impairments.

8. Voice Recognition Software – Programs like Dragon NaturallySpeaking that allow users to dictate text and control devices with their voice, helping those with mobility or dexterity challenges.

9. Adaptive Keyboards – Keyboards with larger keys, alternative layouts, or customizable keys, designed to accommodate users with physical disabilities.

10. Switch Devices – Assistive input devices that allow users with limited mobility to interact with computers or books by using switches activated by the user’s movement.

In addition to the above mentioned list, of course, physical changes to the environment are important like easy to reach shelves, tables and chairs, priority seating for those in need, and a collection of books that suits the needs/interests of all your students.  

These devices can create a more inclusive and accessible environment in libraries for a variety of users.  Of course, the million dollar question is: which ones will be available for use in my district, but the best way to find out is to know what you are asking for and to be knowledgeable in the area!  

My Digital Media Journey

Well, I have to admit - "journey" is the right word when it comes to anything digital for me.  I am not super old (in my opinion), but I am certainly of the age where I remember life before the internet.  I am definitely a slower learner when it comes to technology, BUT, I have come a long way and I will continue to learn.  I would say that the turning point in my digital journey would have to have been during covid and working from home.  The phrase of learning overnight really rang true as I was suddenly teaching online and learning as I went - in the blink of an eye.  It was during that time that I was forced to face my fears with technology, and I have definitely become more brave in the area.  Admittedly, I still have a moment of panic when asked to something such as....create a blog, 😉 or a piece of digital media, but I learned that MOST everything can be undone, and sometimes one must just press the button!  

The things that I am most excited about with my future of technology - as a result of this class are: creating a blog, creating a meme, finding podcasts that I will actually listen to sometimes, Canva, creating a Tiktok, and learning about AI.  We have already done so much!  I am definitely going to do a much deeper dive with Canva for classroom use.  I am looking forward to learning more about creating slide decks for lessons and including visually enhancing graphics to engage my students.  I would also like to use it for creating notices for parents and classroom events.  I know some teachers who use it often and I love the aesthetics of their lessons.  Now that I have dipped my toe in with it, I have more confidence to move forward with my efforts.  

I know that we have been looking into social media this week, so along those same lines, I decided to branch out with my Tiktok skills.  I do enjoy scrolling through dog, fashion and education trends, but I have not ever created my own video.  I did enlist the help of my 13 year old son for this task.  (Misery loves company 😀).  We just did a quick little dance to be able to say we did it.  Please be kind when viewing and no judgement of the dancing skills.  I said I wanted to work in the library, not a dance studio!  So, here it is...my attempt at creating digital media.  Enjoy!

TikTok

 

                                     Sites to Visit for Classroom or Library Use

1.  Image Flip - Meme Generator  -  After teaching a unit of study, it might be fun for teachers to have students demonstrate their knowledge through the creation of a meme.     

 My first meme

2.  BubblUs-   -  Use this site to create graphic organizers, story webs, story maps, timelines, flowcharts, or any other resource for organizing information.  Great for upper level student or teacher use!

3.  Doodle - Poll Creator  Teachers can schedule meetings and events that work for everyone in a group.  Could be used for team meetings, events, and coordinating with friends or family. 

4.  Voki - Speaking Characters. teachers and students create speaking animated characters to enhance learning. For example, students can create a character and record themselves reading.  Teachers can also create characters to enhance lessons.  

5.  Quiver vision - Augmented Reality - This app allows students to bring their work to life - like virtual reality.  Students color a picture and scan it, then the app allows it become 3D on the screen and look as if it is coming to life.  Very cool! 

6.  Canva - Graphic Design - Teachers can create slide decks for lessons, handouts, or study guides.  Includes Ai for content and graphic creation.  

7.  Venngage - Professional image creator.  Teachers or students can create timelines, brochures, or educational posters or handouts.  

8.  Room Escape Maker - Math Escape Rooms.  Teachers create math puzzles that students must solve to "escape" and move on to the next screen.  Great for independent math practice.