Owning My Role as a Digital Citizen

I used to think the term "digital citizenship" only referred to kids... as in, kids need to know how to be good digital citizens and use technology responsibly. For some reason, I didn't necessarily think of myself or other adults as digital citizens despite the fact that I (and other adults) engage in digital communities including social media on a daily basis. "Digital citizen" was just a kid-term in my mind.

But as I continue to examine my own digital decisions (and make mistakes) and watch others do the same, especially with social media, I realize that I, TOO, AM A DIGITAL CITIZEN!!  ...that I am in digital community with others and am constantly faced with decisions about my own digital actions! That I have to grapple with online situations that involve ethics, safety, and my own personal values. That I have to consider relationships and how my social media use could affect them... because teenagers aren't the only ones learning how to fly this digital plane as we build it.

I've come to realize that I can better help students own their role as digital citizens when I own my role as one, too. When I am more mindful of my own participation in the digital world, I become a better role model for my students.

I created a 10-item self-guided reflection resource for teachers. The idea behind this resource is to give teachers (or any adult, for that matter) time and space to really consider their own thoughts and actions as they participate in the digital world... to see themselves as a digital citizen.

The resource is called "I AM A DIGITAL CITIZEN" and I'm happy to share it with you - Just click the button below to have the link emailed to you! Feel free to use this "record & reflect" printout alongside the I AM A DIGITAL CITIZEN resource. Enjoy!
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Send me the resource!