Best Practices for Digital Citizenship
Are you adding a virtual classroom or social media site to your lessons? Many of us are trying out edmodo.com, moodle, or other digital resources to enhance our lessons. If you are attempting to foster engagement and collaboration, these guidelines might be a good place to start to teach your students about digital citizenship. Print these onto a large page to post in your classroom or computer lab. You can also also download the color version from http://blog.edmodo.com
Best Practices for Digital Citizenship
1. Be present. Participate in classroom discussions and contribute your unique voice to the conversation
2. Use appropriate grammar instead of texting language.
3. Use a respectful tone of voice when posting. Refrain from posts that tease, bully, annoy, spam, or gossip.
4. Keep conversations on topic.
5. Keep private information private. This includes telephone numbers, addresses, emails, etc.
6. Be sure to get permission before posting photos or videos showing yourself or classmates.
7. Show what you know. If you’ve found information or have an idea that’s related to our classwork, share it.
~Source: Edmodo.com
You might also be considering ways to assess online discussions and forums. How will you get students to participate in meaningful ways? These protocols may help students understand that online discussions aren’t just about saying “I agree” or “good idea”. Encourage students to elaborate, share, and rephrase ideas.
Protocol for Posting
| 1. Postings should be evenly distributed during the discussion period (not concentrated all on one day or at the beginning and/or end of the period). |
| 2. Postings should be a minimum of one short paragraph and a maximum of two paragraphs. |
| 3. Avoid postings that are limited to ‘I agree’ or ‘great idea’, etc. If you agree (or disagree) with a posting then say why you agree by supporting your statement with concepts from the readings or by bringing in a related example or experience. |
| 4. Address the questions as much as possible (don’t let the discussion stray). |
| 5. Try to use quotes from the articles that support your postings. Include page numbers when you do that. |
| 6. Build on others responses to create threads. |
| 7. Bring in related prior knowledge (work experience, prior coursework, readings, etc.) |
| 8. Use proper etiquette (proper language, typing, etc.). Avoid texting language. |
Rubric for evaluating online discussions (1 – 2 week period)
|
Criteria |
Excellent (4 pts) |
Good (3 pts) |
Average (2 pts) |
Poor (1 pt) |
| Timely discussion contributions | 4 or more postings well distributed throughout the week | 2-3 postings distributed throughout the week | 1-2 postings somewhat distributed | At least 1 post that attempts to respond, but post is short or is not meaningful |
| Responsiveness to discussion and demonstration of knowledge and understanding gained from assigned reading | Very clear that readings were understood and incorporated well into responses | Readings were understood and incorporated into responses | Postings have questionable relationship to reading material | Not evident that readings were understood and/or not incorporated into discussion |
| Adherence to on-line protocols | All on-line protocols followed | One online protocol not adhered to | 2-3 online protocols not adhered to | 4 or more online protocols not adhered to |
