Digital citizenship includes a host of practices and procedures that digital media users should employ to respect and protect themselves, others, and to preserve the intellectual property and rights of online content.  International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) makes Digital Citizenship an essential learning in today’s classroom.  As a Digital Citizen, ISTE suggests that students become informed of the impacts of their online presence.  Students should also take an active role in practicing online safety by being honest, respectful and fair while having knowledge of existing laws, and working within them.

Using the Indicators of ISTE Student Standard 2 Digital Citizen I’ve compiled some online videos to start discussions on the various aspects of Digital Citizenship.

2a.  Students cultivate and manage their digital identity and reputation and are aware of the permanence of their actions in the digital world.

What Are Digital Foot Prints? – This site explains what digital footprints are and how to stay safe online.  It even has a digital footprint pdf that lets learners create a visual representation of a day on the internet.  It could make a great exercise for learners of all levels.

Follow the Digital Trail – a video from Common Sense Education best for grades 2-7.  It describes digital footprints and gives examples on how learners leave impressions on the internet every day.

Live My Digital for Students: Digital Footprints – a video appropriate for grades 8-12 that includes student interviews and explores repercussions of online social activity, tips for safety and best practices for responsible use of Digital Media.

2b.  Students engage in positive, safe, legal and ethical behavior when using technology, including social interactions online or when using networked devices.

Internet Safety for Kids K-3– an animated video from Indiana University of Pennsylvania that introduces, to the younger learners, safeguarding usernames and passwords, safe web surfing, and personal information protection summed up in three simple, easy to remember rules.

5 Internet Safety Tips for Kids- five quick tips in under a minute.  From sharing information to getting contacted by a stranger.  Great for grades 3-8.

Internet Safety Tips for Teens – Helpful AND Funny- a video that your students may not find humorous but will enjoy getting the information from.  The video overviews three cornerstones for Internet safety starting with the most important, personal responsibility. Great for 9-12.

2c.  Students demonstrate an understanding of and respect for the rights and obligations of using and sharing intellectual property.

Copyright and Fair Use Animation– a short video that explains copyright and fair use with numbered points to help students remember this set of complex facts.

Creativity, Copyright, and Fair Use For Ethical Digital Citizens– a video that puts a personal spin on unauthorized use of intellectual property.  The video explains copyright and fair use with specific examples and great images.  Great for grades 5-12.

YouTube Copyright School– an animated video that explores the consequences of copyright infringement on YouTube users.  The verbiage is extensive, but in fairness it is copyright law.  Great for grades 3-6.

2d. Students manage their personal data to maintain digital privacy and security and are aware of data-collection technology used to track their navigation online.

Computer Ethics- Online Privacy– a video about sharing content on social media, permissions, and the lack of privacy available online. Great for grades 8-12.

11-year-old Kid is a Cyber Security Expert– an interview of a young Cyber Security Specialist who gives insightful tips on keeping your data safe. Great for grades 5-12.

Teach Students About Internet Safety and Privacy– This Google video uses easy language and clean images to give tips on creating passwords, two-factor identification, signing out, and security settings. Great for grades 6-12.

Bonus

Commonsenese.org offers free lesson plans with resources on many aspects of Digital Citizenship for grades k-12.

Google offers an online Professional Development on Digital Citizenship for educators. The course has five units that can be completed in about an hour and a half.  Leave a comment and let us know if you enjoyed the course.