Summary

Students in her class collaborate with other students around the world to research digital citizenship issues and then write off-line action plans to implement at their own school.  Some of the topics considered include:

• Texting while driving
• On-line safety and security
• Communication over the Internet
• Distinguishing between real and fake web sites
• Copyright laws
• Identity theft
• Digital etiquette

Questions

After viewing this video presentation, a few questions came to mind:

• Given language differences and time differences, how do I connect with other teachers and organize collaboration between my students and students around the world?
• What knowledge and skills do I need as a teacher to make such a project successful?
• How does this project mesh with my school’s Acceptable Use Policy?

Furhtermore, this video shared very little information from the teacher’s point of view:

• How did she present and implement the lesson?
• What steps did she take in the planning process?
• What was she doing behind the scenes as students collaborated and planned?

Professional Gain

In spite of those unknowns, this video spoke to me as an educator.  It is important as a teacher to give students plenty of opportunities to learn by doing rather than expecting them to always learn by listening.  Plus, students generally rise to the occasion when given a challenge and are then supported by the teacher.  Through the process of doing their own research, planning, and production, students will meet the learning goals.  I need to let go of the reigns more often and allow my students to teach themselves while learning from and teaching their peers.

Application

This strategy lends itself to teaching several topics I already address as part of my technology curriculum:

• Middle school students could collaborate to research and plan a peer education series about Appropriate and Responsible Use of Technology.
• Middle schoolers could also use the process discussed in this presentation to address Cyber-Bullying – How to Spot It, How to Stop It.
• I can also use the collaboration component to impress upon students how Cloud Computing is the “ultimate form of globalization.”  By having them use Web 2.0 tools to communicate with and collaborate with students in another country, on another continent, I will allow them to experience the “globalization” first hand.

Learn more about Digital Citizenry for Teenagers and global collaboration at www.digitteen.ning.com and www.flatclassroomproject.org.