Virtual Teachers

Hello all-
In the process of researching for our project this week (our group is presenting on digital piracy) the thought crossed my mind that many of my students probably don't know what digital piracy is, let alone the consequences that may happen if people share files illegally. While reading "Digital Citizenship in Schools" I came across a guided lesson about file sharing-when it is legal/illegal. I think this would be a great lesson to incorporate into an English or History class. The objective of this lesson is to make students aware of potential issues surrounding file sharing/digital piracy. For this lesson you divide the class into two different sections- one group is to argue in support of file sharing, the other will argue against it. I would provide students with some resources to complete research for both sides - some informational websites I found include (from the University of Maryland) - http://www.it.umd.edu/PlayFair/FAQs.html and from Stanford University- http://www.it.umd.edu/PlayFair/FAQs.html. Students would have a select amount of time to research the topic (either in support of or not) with their group, and would be required to cite at least 3 resources as to where they retrieved their information. This connects directly to the common core standard 10.RIT.1- Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. As students would be completing research, then citing their research within their group presentation. This would allow for students to collaborate with their group members, communicate (while debating) with the opposing side, and would allow students to explore using technology to determine what they can download legally/cannot. If teachers wanted to turn this into a unit, they could have students interview others, create graphs regarding statistics, and poll other students- using a survey method to see if other students within the building are aware of what legal file sharing is. What do you think- would this work in your classroom?

Hello all-
I just finished reading "Digital Citizenship in Schools"- overall I thought it was a good book.  Towards the end of the book there are several mini lessons that could be used within a classroom. Some examples of the topics covered include: cyberbullying, digital plagiarism, online etiquette,file sharing, and computer ergonomics.  With the sample mini lessons the book provides links to additional online resources. The book also provides a rubric to score students on the mini lessons- which I thought could be useful.  I know the topic of responsibility regarding who should be teaching students about digital citizenship has been brought up in many of our conversations. I believe that teachers shouldn't be the only people teaching students about the appropriate ways to use technology, but think that using these mini lessons would be a great way to educate our students. I believe it is very important to get parents involved in this process. I think it would be a great idea to hold workshops once a month about some of these current topics. It would allow for greater communication between parents and their students about the appropriate use of technology, and would educate parents as to all of the different ways technology can/should be used. In our district we have some flexibility regarding the common core- and I believe teachers would be able to incorporate a 10-15 minute lesson (taking ideas from the book) daily without taking too much time away from other lessons. We might use these lessons as bargaining tools for students- if they don't complete the daily lesson, they don't get to use the computer/ipad for the day, and will be given an alternate assignment. A great interdisciplinary Science/technology lesson could be about computer ergonomics and the effect  posture when using a computer can have on your body.  What does everyone else think? Would this be something that you might be able to implement within your classroom?

Hello all,

I am not sure if I am the first person to blog- or if I am not blogging correctly, but here it goes...

While reading the nine elements of digital citizenship, three of which still left me with many questions we as professionals need to explore/define more in depth. Digital etiquette- I believe that some adults struggle with what is/isn't appropriate and how their actions affect others. How can we teach our students the proper etiquette to online blogging/researching/posting? I work primarily with students that have disabilities- should their digital access be any different than the regular education student? There are many online/tech savvy tools that these students' would greatly benefit from, and could even be included in their program modifications, but without knowing "digital law and security" that well myself I feel uncomfortable implementing these tools within the students IEP. I currently use technology within the classroom, but I am interested in learning more about programs and technology available for students with both learning and physical disabilities. I know our district is looking into online classes for students who may need an adjustment in programming- but I am interested in keeping students in school, and using technology more as an accommodation, instead of a program change. What are your thoughts on teaching digital literacy in your classroom? Would you feel comfortable if a Learning Disabled student had an IEP with modifications/accommodations that incorporate technology- such as Kurzweil or Read Aloud?  (Computer programs that help students with reading/writing) English teachers- Do you currently use these programs within your class? The CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1b common core standard indicates students will "Work with peers to set rules for collegial discussions and decision-making". I believe that creating a classroom blog would be a great way for all students to contribute to setting classroom rules at the beg. of the school year. If students were able to go online to a classroom blog and post their opinions as to what the classroom rules should look like, they may have more buy in to following those rules.  Having students blog and use 21st century skills- like collaboration would be a good tool to both set classroom rules, and reflect upon throughout the course of the year. This would allow students to become familiar with blogging, and would be a good tool to use with future lessons.
-Cassie