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Teaching Digital Citizenship & Literacy to Kindergarten - Second Grade 21st Century Learners

Learning Module

Abstract

This Learning Module is designed to provide Kindergarten through second grade teachers with the tools and information needed to teach digital citizenship and Literacy to their students in a meaningful and innovative manner. Participants will learn about Digital Citizenship curriculums and tools to further introduce their students to the digital age in an academic setting.

Keywords

Digital Literacy, Digital Citizenship, Primary School, Teacher Digital Competency, 21st Century Learner Skills

Overview

The purpose of this learning module is to provide kindergarten through second grade teachers with the tools and information needed to teach digital citizenship and digital literacy to their students in a meaningful and innovative manner. The literature reveals that not much emphasis is placed on teaching these skills at these grade levels.  However, current data suggest that children between the ages of three and eight are using technology at a rapidly increasing rate (Kamenetz, 2017).  Over 40% of young children reportedly have their very own tablet device, which provide access to the internet, educational games, and/or other technology applications (Kamenetz, 2017).

Course participants will explore their relationship to technology as an individual and as an elementary school teacher.  Literature reveals that teacher self efficacy regarding the use of technology strongly correlates with their usage of technology in the classroom (Harrell and Brynum, 2018).  Therefore, in order to assist teachers with teaching digital citizenship and digital literacy, this learning module will first have them identify their own self efficacy strengths and limitation within the digital world. This will help course participants understand their role as a digital citizen and build their digital literacy in order to enhance that of their students. Thereafter, course participants will be provided with the basic level of competency needed to be an effective teacher of digital citizenship and digital literacy.   

The learning module begins with an overview of 21st Century Learning Skills and will emphasize the skills related to media and technology literacy.  The importance of these skills to digital citizenship and literacy will be outlined.  The learning module will then provide definitions of both digital citizenship and digital literacy as both concepts are related and build upon each other to further enhance 21st Century Learning Skills.  The foundation of digital literacy is grounded in the knowledge needed to be a citizen of the digital age.  Module participants will learn the components of digital citizenship and the skills needed to achieve digital literacy.  They will also have the opportunity to compare and contrast digital citizenship curriculum as a means of consideration for implementation. 

Learning Outcomes

 

Media embedded November 24, 2019

Reference: Jiayong [Screen name]. (2011, January 18).  21st century education [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O35n_tvOK74

Learning module participants will gain knowledge of the following concepts.  They will then be able to apply the concepts outlined directly to their instructional practices as kindergarten through second grade elementary school teachers teaching digital citizenship and digital literacy to their students.

Learning module participants will be able to:

1. Identify the teacher technological competencies needed to effectively utilize digital tools to reinforce 21st Century Learning Skills for students to guide their instructional design strategies.

2. Identify the 21st Century Learning Skills needed for students that relate to media and technology literacy.

3. Define and analyze the meaning and relevance of digital citizen and literacy as it relates to the learning goals and objectives of their students.

4. Review digital citizenship components and determine which are relevant to teach their elementary school students.

5. Identify the digital literacy skills needed to ensure that their elementary school students participate in the digital world in a manner that is safe and adequate at their developmental level.

6. Analyze digital citizenship curriculums which are utilized throughout the country for the purpose of implementation and lesson planning.

7. Assist parents in working with educators to teach and reinforce Digital literacy skills at home to helps students function safe and effectively in the digital age.

Teacher Efficacy

For the Participant

It is important, as educators, to understand your competency regarding the areas which you provide instruction.  It is equally as important to be competent in the use of technology for instruction.  The survey below was developed by QuestionPro's Technology Savvy Survy and replicated in Google Forms for you to complete and consider yourself efficacy regarding the use of technology in the classroom. 

Directions: Take the survey below to understand your efficacy regarding your personal and professional use of technology.  By clicking here you will be taken to the survey depicted below as a google form which is to be completed.  

QuestionPro Survey Software. (2019). Technology Survey Questions + Sample Questionnaire Template. Retrieved from https://www.questionpro.com/survey-templates/technology-survey/​

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is a collective of global educators who support the belief that technology is a key component of education used to create innovation.  ISTE has developed Standards for meaningful technology integration in schools.  These Standards are outlined below. 

Media embedded November 24, 2019

Reference: Feild, T. (2017, September 16). ISTE standards for students and educators [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lw1IG0NAbg

Below are the ISTE Best Practices for Digital Age Teaching.  They are listed in the form of an Evaluation Tool for Literacy Educators.  Complete the form below to further assess your current practices utilizing technology in the classroom.  

Directions: For each statement below, select a rating that best describes the level of frequency you apply each knowledge and skill during your professional practice.

Standard 1: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

Never

0

Rarely

1

Sometimes

2

Often

3

Always

4

I promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness.

      

I engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.

 

          

I promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes.

          

I model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments.

          

Standard 2: Design and Develop Learning Experiences and Assessments

          

I advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources.

          

I address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources.

          

I promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information.

          

I develop and model cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using digital age communication and collaboration tools.

          

Standard 3: Model Digital Age Work and Learning

          

I model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning.

          

I demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.

          

I collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation.

          

I communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital age media and formats.

          

Standard 4: Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

          

I participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning.

          

I exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others.

          

I evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning.

          

I contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of my school and community.

          

Standard 5: Engage in Professional Growth and Learning

 

          

I design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.

          

I develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress.

          

I customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources.

          

I provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching.

          
           

Directions: Tally your scores within each standard below:

Standard 1: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity

                

Standard 2: Design and Develop Learning Experiences and Assessments

  

Standard 3: Model Digital Age Work and Learning

  

Standard 4: Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

  

Standard 5: Engage in Professional Growth and Learning

  

Reference: Sharp, L. A. (2014). Literacy in the digital age. Language and Literacy Spectrum, 24, 74–85. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ1034912&authtype=cookie,cpid&custid=cjrlc085&site=ehost-live

 

Directions: Review video below which addresses teacher phobia regarding technology integration. 

Media embedded November 24, 2019

Reference: Tedx Talk, Daniels, K. (2013, November 6).  Empowering the teacher technophob: Kristin Daniels at TEDxBurnsvilleED [Video file].  Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puiNcIFJTCU

Update: Create an update which outlines an area in the technology savvy survey which you need improvement.  Compare it to an ISTE standard which you also need improvement.  Identify a teaching strategies which can be used to demonstrate proficiency in this area.  Your update should be at the least 200 words and incorporate utilizing elements.  

Comment: Comment on at least 3 updates by learning module participants which you may have experience with or that is aligned to your update.

For the Instructor

According to Sharp (2014), teacher must know if, how, and where students are accessing the internet. Teachers must also be aware of the frequency of internet usage and how effective students perceive their internet usage to be able at accomplishing their goals.

Learning Outcome: Identify the teacher technological competencies needed to effectively utilize digital tools to reinforce 21st Century Learning Skills for students to guide their instructional design strategies.

Supplemental Resources:

Bates, A. (2017). Teaching in a digital age. Retrieved from https://wiki.lib.sun.ac.za/images/f/f3/Teaching-in-a-digital-age.pdf
Sharp, L. A. (2014). Literacy in the digital age. Language and Literacy Spectrum, 24, 74–85. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ1034912&authtype=cookie,cpid&custid=cjrlc085&site=ehost-live

University of Southern California Articles:  Checklist: Skills and Tools for Digitally Literate Teachers by Leah Anne Levy. 

21st Century Learner Skills

For the Participant

It is important that teachers have a framework for which to incorporate digital citizenship and literacy.  The 21st Century Learner Skills provides such a frame work.  

Directions: Review the images and videos to identify the of 21st Century Skills and their relevance to digital citizenship and literacy.  

The video below is the first of serval lesson on teaching 21st Century Skills provided by Microsoft.  The remainder of these lesson can be accessed using this link: https://preview.education.microsoft.com/en-us/    

Media embedded November 24, 2019

Microsoft Education [Screen name]. (2017). 1.1 21CLD Course 1 Lesson 1 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=459&v=EwnzzCZbUec&feature=emb_logo

21st Century Skills Framework

Twenty-first century learning is a framework designed to outline and explain the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for students to be actively engaged in the daily activities of life and work in the 21st century (Applied Educational Systems, 2019). There are twelve skills identified as being a necessity.  These skills are outlined in the image below. 

Applied Education Systems. (2019). 21st century skills: How today's students can stay competitive in a changing job market. Retrieved from https://www.aeseducation.com/career-readiness/what-are-21st-century-skills

The skills are broken into three categories: Learning Skills; Literacy Skills, and Life Skills. The learning skills are commonly referred to as the four C’s. They provide insight into the cognitive practices needed to manipulate and expand present occupational settings. The video below highlights several of these skills.  

Media embedded November 24, 2019

Common Sense Education [Screen name]. (2016, Juy12). Introduction to 21st Century Learning with Helen Soule [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-NF1FQz2Mk

The image below takes 21st Century Learning Skills to the next level by outlining their relevence to the future of our students.  

PBS Learning Media. (2015). The future of digital learning. Retrieved from https://d43fweuh3sg51.cloudfront.net/media/media_files/PBS-LearningMedia-The-Future-of-Digital-Learning-Infographic.jpg

Update: After review of the material above, create an update connecting 21st Century Learner Skills with a statistic from the image above.  Discuss how teaching digital citizenship and literacy prepares students for life in the future.  Your update should be at the least 200 words and incorporate multimodal elements.

Comment: Comment on at least 3 updates by learning module participants which you may have experience with or that is aligned to your update.

For the Instructor

Learning Outcome: Identify the 21st Century Learning Skills needed for student that relate to media and technology literacy.
 

Supplemental Resources: 

Battelle for Kids. (2019). Framework for 21st century learning. A unified vision for learning to ensure student success in a world where change is constant and learning never stops. Retrieved from https://www.omsd.net/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=2619&dataid=15518&FileName=P21_framework_0816.pdf
Jansen, C., & Van Der Merwe, P. (2015). Teaching Practice in the 21st Century: Emerging Trends, Challenges and Opportunities. Horizon Research Publishing

 

Digital Citizenship V. Digital Literacy

For the Participant

Digital Citizenship is what all members of the digital age have.  This citizenship requires a certain level of literacy to be an effective member.  The paper and videos below provide definitions of what it means to be a digital citizen and the literacies needed to effectively utilize that citizenship.  

Directions: Read the article below and view the videos to construct a definition of these concepts. 

Promoting Digital Literacy and Citizenship in School

National Conference of State Legislature LegisBrief. (2017). Promoting digital literacy and citizenship in school. (NCSL Publication Vol. 25. No. 7) Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.

Digital Citizenship

Media embedded November 24, 2019

Reference: Common Sense Education. (2014, October 28). Why Schools Should Teach Digital Citizenship [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Xxu7VW4hQc&list=PLiyTLBB2gfzlut92qU6Eks6Hq_t1l9WDC&index=10

 

Digital Literacy

Media embedded November 24, 2019

Reference: Media Smarts. (2018, May 28). Introduction to digital literacy: Digital literacy 101 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o96ey4jCgE&t=19s

Update: As you can see from reviewing the material, that both concepts have multiple meanings based on the audience.  Create an update to construct a meaning for both digital citizenship and literacy that would best fit the needs of your students in the digital age.Your update should be at the least 200 words and incorporate multmodal elements.

Comment: Comment on at least 3 updates by learning module participants which you may have experience with or that is aligned to your update.

For the Instructor

Learning Outcomes:  Define and analyze the meaning and relevance of digital citizen and literacy as it relates to the learning goals and objectives of their students.
 

Supplemental Resources: 

Sharp, L. A. (2014). Literacy in the digital age. Language and Literacy Spectrum, 24, 74–85. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ1034912&authtype=cookie,cpid&custid=cjrlc085&site=ehost-live

 

Digital Citizenship & Literacy Components

 

 

For the Participants

WebWise is a European website funded by government and private entities centered around teaching digital literacy skills to primary and secondary students. They have identified seven digital literacy competencies which are identified below. Here is a link to their website to gather additional information and resource.

Web Wise Digital Literacy Skills/Competencies. Retrieved from https://www.webwise.ie/teachers/digital_literacy/

The three videos below are examples of tools that can be utilized by educators to teach the skills of Online Safety Skills, Finding Information, and Communication and Netiquette for primary school students. As you view the videos below, consider how they can be incorporated into your lesson plan to teacher these digital literacy competencies. 

Online Safety Skills

Media embedded November 24, 2019

Reference: Indiana University of Pennsylvania. (2011, May 17). Internet safety for kids K-3 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89eCHtFs0XM

Finding Information

Media embedded November 24, 2019

Reference: Common Sense Media. (2014, August 22). What is the internet [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ourb9j-dq8Q&list=PLiyTLBB2gfzlut92qU6Eks6Hq_t1l9WDC&index=12&t=0s

Communication & Netiquette

Media embedded November 24, 2019

Reference: Common Sense Media. (2019, August 8). My online neighborhood [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNpkUyEOa_8

Project: Pick one of the digital literacy competencies identified above and develop a lesson plan.  Utilizing multimodal elements in your learning design. Post this as an update to the community. 

Comment: Comment on at least 3 updates by learning module participants. 

For the Instructor

Learning Outcomes: 

  • Review digital citizenship componenets and determine which are relavent to teach their elementary school students.
  • Identify the digital literacy skills needed to ensure that their elementary school students particiate in the digital world in a manner that is safe and adaquate at their developmental level.

Supplemental Resource: 

Kivunja, C. (2015). Unpacking the information, media, and technology skills domain of the new learning paradigm. International Journal of Higher Education, 4(1), 166–181. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ1060555&authtype=cookie,cpid&custid=cjrlc085&site=ehost-live

 

Curriculum Comparison

For the Participants

There are two digital citizenshil/literacy curriculums outlined below.

Directions: Review each curriculum.  

Common Sense Education. (2017). Digital literacy and citizenship curriculum: K-2. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/uploads/pdfs/iste_standards_grades_k-2-d3.pdf

 

New York City Department of Education. (2012). Citizenship in the digital age. Retrieved from file:///Users/ElJay/Downloads/Citizenshipinthedigitalage.pdf

Update: Create an update that compares and contrasts the two curriculums above.  Can you identify an element withing the curriculums that requires improvement. Your update should be at the least 200 words and incoproate muitlimodal elements.

Comment: Comment on at least 3 updates by learning module participants which you may have experience with or that is aligned to your update.

For the Instructor

Learning Outcomes: Anlyze digital citizenship curriculums which are utilized throughout the country for the purpose of implementation and lesson planning.

Supplemental Resoruces: 

Common Sense Digital Literacy Curriclum Webinar. 

WebWise Teacher Resources

Parental Involvement

For the Participants

Parental involvement in teaching digital citizenship and literacy is a key compoent to any curriculum.  Having parents support the learning being provided at school enhancing the probability that the student will learn and implement the skills being taught.  

Directions: View the two videos below which outline parents role in this process.  Then read the parental guides below which supplements the video content. 

Media embedded November 24, 2019

Reference: Edutopia. (2010, March 11). Common sense tips for digital generation parents [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7CSsKciXDI&list=TLPQMjUxMTIwMTmAhXTsfuT6Aw&index=3

 

Media embedded November 24, 2019

Reference: Media Smart. (2016, November 4). The parent network: Social media and you kids. The basics [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAoIJ4Oz47M

WebWise Parenting Presentation

WebWise Digital Literacy Parent Presentation - Primary Age

Parental Guide to Parental Controls: 

Knorr, C. (2019). Parents' Ultimate Guide to Parental Controls. Common Sense. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/parents-ultimate-guide-to-parental-controls#Will%20my%20kid%20know%20that%20I'm%20using%20parental%20controls?

Update: Create an update highlighting a key concern for parents regarding their child's engagement in the digital age.  Identify a tool or concept discussed that will assist a parent in addressing this concern.  Your update should be at the least 200 words and incorporate multimodal elements.

Comment: Comment on at least 3 updates by learning module participants which you may have experience with or that is aligned to your update.  

 

For the Instructor

Parental involvement is a very important component of teaching digital literacy to students.  When parents and educators are concurrently involved in the process of teaching students digital literacy and citizenship, students have a greater value of the skills being taught and enhance their learning potential.  

Learning Outcome: Assist parents in working with educators to teach and reinforce the Digital literacy skills to helps students function in the digital age. 

Supllemental Resources: 

Media embedded November 24, 2019

Reference: Tedx Talk, Korf, K. (2017, November 14). Kid, you posted what?! How to raise a digital citizen [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztgSr42CSEI&list=TLPQMjUxMTIwMTmAhXTsfuT6Aw&index=1

Book: Ribble, M. (2009).  Raising a digital child: A digital citizenship handbook for parents. HomePage Books: PA.

References

Bates, A. (2017). Teaching in a digital age. Retrieved from https://wiki.lib.sun.ac.za/images/f/f3/Teaching-in-a-digital-age.pdf

Battelle for Kids. (2019). Framework for 21st century learning. A unified vision for learning to ensure student success in a world where change is constant and learning never stops. Retrieved from https://www.omsd.net/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=2619&dataid=15518&FileName=P21_framework_0816.pdf

Common Sense Media. (2014, August 22). What is the internet [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ourb9j-dq8Q&list=PLiyTLBB2gfzlut92qU6Eks6Hq_t1l9WDC&index=12&t=0s

Common Sense Education. (2014, October 28). Why Schols Should Teach Digital Citizenship [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Xxu7VW4hQc&list=PLiyTLBB2gfzlut92qU6Eks6Hq_t1l9WDC&index=10

Common Sense Education. (2017). Digital literacy and citizenship curriculum: K-2. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/uploads/pdfs/iste_standards_grades_k-2-d3.pdf

Common Sense Media. (2019, August 8). My online neighborhood [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNpkUyEOa_8

Feild, T. (2017, September 16). ISTE standards for students and educators [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lw1IG0NAbg

Harrell, S. & Bynum, Y. (2018). Factors affecting technology integration in the classroom. Alabama Journal of Educational Leadership. 5. 

Indiana University of Pennsylvania. (2011, May 17). Internet safety for kids K-3 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89eCHtFs0XM

Kamenetz, A. (October, 2017).  Young childrent are spending much more time in front of small screen.  Retrieved from npr.org/sections/ed/2017/10/19

Kivunja, C. (2015). Unpacking the information, media, and technology skills domain of the new learning paradigm. International Journal of Higher Education, 4(1), 166–181. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ1060555&authtype=cookie,cpid&custid=cjrlc085&site=ehost-live

Knorr, C. (2019). Parents' Ultimate Guide to Parental Controls. Common Sense. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/parents-ultimate-guide-to-parental-controls#Will%20my%20kid%20know%20that%20I'm%20using%20parental%20controls?

Media Smart. (2016, November 4). The parent network: Social media and you kids. The basics [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAoIJ4Oz47M

Media Smarts. (2018, May 28). Introduction to digital literacy: Digital literacy 101 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o96ey4jCgE&t=19s

Microsoft Education [Screen name]. (2017). 1.1 21CLD Course 1 Lesson 1 [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=459&v=EwnzzCZbUec&feature=emb_logo

National Conference of State Legislature LegisBrief. (2017). Promoting digital literacy and citizenship in school. (NCSL Publication Vol. 25. No. 7) Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.

PBS Learning Media. (2015). The future of digital learning. Retrieved from https://d43fweuh3sg51.cloudfront.net/media/media_files/PBS-LearningMedia-The-Future-of-Digital-Learning-Infographic.jpg

QuestionPro Survey Software. (2019). Technology Survey Questions + Sample Questionnaire Template. Retrieved from https://www.questionpro.com/survey-templates/technology-survey/

Ribble, M. (2009). Raising a digital child: A digital citizenship handbook for parents. HomePage Books: PA.

Sharp, L. A. (2014). Literacy in the digital age. Language and Literacy Spectrum, 24, 74–85. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ1034912&authtype=cookie,cpid&custid=cjrlc085&site=ehost-live

Tedx Talk, Daniels, K. (2013, November 6). Empowering the teacher technophob: Kristin Daniels at TEDxBurnsvilleED [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puiNcIFJTCU

Tedx Talk, Korf, K. (2017, November 14). Kid, you posted what?! How to raise a digital citizen [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztgSr42CSEI&list=TLPQMjUxMTIwMTmAhXTsfuT6Aw&index=1