It is very important to teach students the importance of using technology effectively. Technology plays a huge role in student's lives now but will be a bigger factor in the future. As teachers we can give the students the skills necessary for appropriate use of technology. Below are three areas I feel are most crucial to incorporate into second grade curriculum.
1) Staying Safe Online-Students need to understand that they should stay safe online by choosing websites that good fro them to visit, and avoid sites that not appropriate for them. An important part of this area is students recognizing if they should ask an adult they trust before they visit a particular website. teachers we can provide websites to students that are safe and effective for them to use for various subjects.
2) Screen Out the Mean- Students learn that children sometimes act like bullies when they are online. They explore what cyberbullying and what they can do when they encounter it. As teachers we need to make students aware of what online behaviors could be considered cyberbullying, explain how to deal with a cyberbullying situation, and the importance of engaging a trusted adult when they experience cyberbulleying.
3) Keep It Private- Students learn that many websites ask for information that is private and discuss how to responsibly handle such requests. Students will review what information is private and should not be shared without a trusted adult's permission. Most importantly students will understand that they should never give out private information on the Internet and learn how to create effective usernames that protect their private information.
I'm glad you see the importance of teaching digital citizenship already in 2nd grade. The Common Sense Media materials you noted are excellent. I encourage you to use them as you have opportunity.
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