ICTI-220: Digital Literacy and Citizenship in the 6-12 Classroom

About this course

The technology of today allows teens and young adults to learn, share, and explore in exciting (and sometimes frightening) new ways. While many of these digital natives regularly use technology to communicate, collaborate, and produce digital content, they may be unaware of the lasting impacts of posting something online or how to be a critical consumer of online information. Incorporating lessons in digital literacy and citizenship into the 6-12 classroom helps secondary students to understand the importance of using the internet safely and effectively and allows them the opportunity to develop the 21st-century skills they will need to be successful both in college and their future careers. Participants in this course will evaluate current practices, research the impact and importance of digital literacy and citizenship on the 21st-century learner, and develop lessons focused on incorporating digital citizenship training into the 6-12 classroom.

 

What will I learn in this course?

Week 1: 21st-Century Literacies

Today’s learners have grown up in a world of prevalent technology and will need to know how to use these tools properly in order to be successful in school, college, and their future careers. Learning to navigate and use technology safely and effectively is an extremely important skill for the 21st-century learner. In this first module, you will focus on defining 21st-century literacies including the nine themes of digital citizenship to gain a better understanding of the topic and discuss how these concepts impact secondary learners.

Week 2: Current Practices in Digital Literacy and Citizenship

To best prepare secondary learners for college and their future careers, teachers should promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking through the use of technology and allow students opportunities to both observe utilize these skills in the classroom. In week 2, you will analyze further available research on digital literacy and citizenship, discuss federal laws regarding appropriate technology use with young learners and reflect on current practices in teaching digital literacy and citizenship by completing a survey and conducting an audit of your classroom, school, or district.

Week 3: Teaching Digital Citizenship in the 6-12 Classroom Part 1 – Rights and Responsibilities

Part of learning to use technology includes gaining an understanding of how to use these tools safely and appropriately. This includes understanding your rights such as a right to post information freely as well as the responsibilities of a digital citizen such as giving proper credit for work shared online. In week three, you will expand your knowledge of the elements of digital citizenship by focusing on digital access, security, and the rights and responsibilities of a digital citizen including personal information, privacy, safety, and copyright. This module will help you to develop a better understanding of personal online practices and illustrate how to teach 6-12 students about the digital trail their online actions leave behind.

Week 4: Teaching Digital Citizenship in the 6-12 Classroom Part 2 – Online Communication and Collaboration

Research suggests that in order for students to thrive in the virtual world, students must learn to communicate and collaborate using online tools to connect with others. Preparing students to work, share, and collaborate in a virtual setting is a critical 21st-century skill. In week four, learning focuses on how teachers can help teens make positive online connections, demonstrate professionalism while working online, and safely collaborate with others. As a culminating activity, you will create a presentation that summarizes knowledge and informs others about the importance of digital literacy and citizenship in the 6-12 classroom.

Why choose iTeach online courses?

  • Courses are delivered completely online, self-paced, and facilitated by an expert in the field.
  • Receive individualized feedback from your instructor.
  • Courses are equivalent to twenty professional development contact hours.
  • Work through each module at your own pace.
  • Register on an open-enrollment basis. No application or prerequisites required.
  • Receive a course completion certificate and digital badge after successfully completing the course. Use your badge to showcase your expertise and skill set on social media profiles, your email signature block, or electronic copies of a résumé.
  • All iTeach courses are designed to help educators and administrators more successfully integrate technology into teaching and learning.

FORMAT: Facilitated online course. Work each weekly module at your own pace.

COST: $120 per participant with discounts for larger groups.

SCHEDULE: This course can be scheduled for groups from the same school or district. It is not available for individual registration. The course is equivalent to 20 contact hours. Email TIM@fcit.us for group scheduling, volume discounts, or other questions.

View the iTeach catalog for additional courses.