"Rather than expecting kids to know intrinsically how to navigate this strange land, we can teach them how to do it — guiding them to become good digital citizens, sensitive to the meaning of their online experiences."
-Carrie James, Asst. Professor of Sociology at Harvard Graduate School of Education and author of Disconnected: Youth, New Media, and the Ethics Gap
“When access to information was limited we needed to load students with facts. Now, when we have no scarcity of facts, or the access to them, we need to load them up with understanding.”
-Seth Godin, author of 18 books on post-industrial change and the manifesto "What Is School For?"
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
HSE Schools recognizes that digital technologies are part of the natural fabric of life for today’s students. As learning tools, digital technologies have the potential to deepen student learning by fostering collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity far beyond classroom walls. The flexibility to use a variety of digital tools and the power to integrate technology effectively are important 21st century skills. All HSE schools provide instruction in ICT processes and 21st skills by embedding grade-appropriate components of digital learning into content instruction.
Since digital tools and the Internet bring with them access to the world of information and the capacity to contribute ideas to the global cyber-sphere, it is imperative that we help our students become wise creators and consumers of digital content. Digital literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, utilize, share, and create appropriate content using digital technologies and the Internet. Digital citizenship is a broad term covering norms of responsible and appropriate technology use. HSE Schools provides direct instruction and embedded reinforcement of digital literacyand citizenship skills to all students in grades K-12. We provide faculty with the tools they need to foster digital literacy and citizenship, and we offer opportunities for parents to learn and connect around these topics.
HSE Schools addresses Digital Literacy & Citizenship holistically - through student instruction, faculty development, family resources, and our ongoing partnership with the Fishers Police Department.
Student instruction
Grades K-8
HSE students in grades K-8 have instruction in digital literacy and citizenship that is grade appropriate. The coordinator for this instruction at each building is the school media specialist. All teachers present, model, and reinforce these processes and skills daily in the context of authentic classroom experiences.
Key topics:
- Be Safe: Online security and privacy
- Be Smart: The permanence of digital content; Finding and evaluating information sources
- Be Nice: Appropriate and kind online behavior; Copyright and fair use guidelines
Grades 9-12
The Pew Internet Teens and Technology Report (2013) found that “the nature of teens’ internet use has transformed dramatically” in the past several years. Smartphones are many teens’ device of choice, and “increasingly these phones are affording teens always-on, mobile access to the internet.” (Pew Internet Trust, 2013) Digital literacy instruction in HSE high schools emphasizes information literacy—that is, the ability to discern and comprehend what is complete and reliable information in our connected world. Digital citizenship instruction aims to help students embrace personal responsibility for their digital lives.
Key Topics:
- Digital Footprints: Understanding the permanence of digital content and taking responsibility for one's online profile
- Social Media: Behaving wisely and appropriately in digital environments
- Information Literacy: Recognizing complete and reliable information sources; Becoming a discerning consumer of information; Respecting copyright
On any given day, American teenagers (13- to 18-year-olds) average about nine hours of entertainment media use, excluding time spent at school or for homework. Tweens (8- to 12-year-olds) use an average of about six hours' worth of entertainment media daily.
-Common Sense Media Census, 2015
Faculty development
HSE faculty are inquiry-driven learners. In large groups, small groups, and individually, with other educators and with their students, HSE teachers make it a priority to continue to grow as educators, keeping up-to-date with current research on best practice instruction and connected learning. In an era of information explosion, this includes striving for a high degree of personal digital literacy and an understanding of its impact on 21st century children. HSE teachers are well equipped to foster strong information literacy skills and the wise use of digital resources in their students.
FAMILY RESOURCES
The HSE community encompasses families as well as students. Through our website, as well as face-to-face and online learning opportunities, we strive to help parents and guardians keep up-to-date with current issues and trends as they affect students and families. The HSE21 Parent Resources page on the district website is a greatplace to start learning. Look for the category entitled Digital Citizenship.
FPD Partnership
HSE Schools and the Fishers Police Department maintain a close working relationship. School Resource and DARE Officers work alongside school faculty to help students safely navigate both the physical and virtual worlds. HSE schools and SROs together host parent meetings and work with students on topics like social media, online privacy and security, and the wise use of mobile devices in a 24/7 connected world.
Technology Tips for Families
- Help children view technology as a tool instead of merely a toy, entertainment device, or reward for good behavior. Use technology to design creative projects, plan family happenings and learn together.
- Let technology help deepen relationships with your children. Use media to connect with extended family and as a springboard for meaningful conversation in your home. Focus on the quality of your children's digital use instead of counting screen time minutes.
- Model the digital habits that you desire for your children.
Adapted from Common Sense Media's 6 Resolutions Every Family with Young Kids Should Make in 2016.
References
Godin, S. (2012). Stop Stealing dreams. Retrieved from http://www.sethgodin.com/sg/docs/stopstealingdreamsscreen.pdf
Madden, M., Lenhart, A., Duggan, M., Cortesi, S., & Gasser, U. (2013). Teens and technology 2013. Pew Internet Trust. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/03/13/teens-and-technology-2013/
Rideout, V. (2015). The common sense census: Media use by tweens and teens. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/the-common-sense-census-media-use-by-tweens-and-teens
Walsh, B. (2014). Ethics disconnected: Helping young people confront the ethical dilemmas of the online world. Retrieved from https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/uk/14/10/ethics-disconnected