Journal 8- Navigate the Digital Rapids-NETS IV & V

Lindsay, J., & Davis, V. (2010, March/April). Navigate the digital rapids. Learning and Leading with Technology, 37(6), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3720092010/MarchAprilNo6/L_L_March_April_2010.htm

This article focuses on how to teach digital citizenship to students and the pitfalls to avoid as a teacher. The main focus of the article is to empower student-centered learning experiences that provide vibrant and exciting learning projects through the usage of technology. It's important to teach our students how to use technology appropriately and how to use this technology safely without causing any harm to themselves and to others. This article talks about how students need different learning experiences so that they can always be engaged, unlike teaching them with the same old routine that remains unchanged throughout the years. Customizing our classrooms without forgetting about our national standards can lead to richer learning experiences. These teachers use digital tools in a variety of ways to create various learning experiences. These so called digiteachers do not let fear get in the way when they are presented with the standardized outcomes, instead they meet these outcomes with special unique learning experiences. By customizing their classrooms and providing different learning approaches it allows to connect to all students' unique learning styles and interest,which I believe too to be very important to effectively teach all of our students and meeting all of their needs. Educational networks are great for teachers to be involved in because knowledgeable people come together and offer advice, teaching techniques and pitfalls to avoid in the classrooms. In this educational networks also students and parents can be a part of, and they all must conduct themselves in a professional and culturally sensitive manner. It is also important to be careful with the type of language you use and the quality of the materials that they may upload onto these websites. The teacher's role of all these technology usage is to "gather, lead by example, and to make sure students don't cross the line" and that when misunderstandings happen the teacher is to coach students about responsibility and sensitivity. It is always important to have a plan of what to do when inappropriate usage of these technologies occur. A good thing about the networks though is that they are monitored 24 hours a day and new content is reviewed right away to prevent any inappropriate files to be uploaded. Overcoming the fear of technology citizenship is important as well, as new incomers to these whole new digital journey you will experience some fear and insecurities but as you start learning more about its usage you will be able to become more proficient and knowledgeable about digital citizenship. When you educate students about the internet you are making their internet experience safer. Everything these students do should be age appropriate. Sometimes some students may post off-topic questions as well and these off-topic questions, if monitored, can also provide new learning experiences. The Flat Classroom Project is a network created by Julie Lindsay and Vicki Davis, that is for educators who want to transform learning through global collaboration. The educational approach is focused on helping students to become competitive and globally minded.



Why is the usage of technology in our classrooms so important? Nowadays we are presented with new digital tools and as teachers we should learn how these tools work and how we can incorporate them into the curriculum so that our students learn about them, not only will they learn how to use these tools appropriately but they will also be learning academics. Teaching our students to become responsible digital users is important so that they learn how to use them to their educational advantage and in real life experiences responsibly.



What else can a teacher do to make sure students use the internet responsibly? A great thing a teacher can do is to get parents involved in their children's learning. Parents and students can attend workshops that the school should provide, that teaches about internet usage and how to be safe in the internet. Having the parents involved is very important because these parents will have some knowledge about the Internet and can monitor their children better at home. They can also talk with their children and so not only will these students learn about internet safety and citizenship at school but also at home.