We’re delighted to relay the following report from BUSD Library Coordinator Becca Todd about the District earning a notable distinction as a Common Sense Certified District in “Digital Citizenship” – a program that fosters safe and responsible use of technology.
As our school year wraps up, we are proud to announce that BUSD is now recognized as a Digital Citizenship Certified District through Common Sense Media!
Throughout the year, our district instructional technology department, library media specialists and 3rd-5th grade classroom teachers focused many lessons and discussions on digital citizenship. We addressed topics such as how to treat others respectfully online, how to act responsibly and ethically in the digital world, and how to safeguard personal information.
We used lessons adapted from Common Sense Media, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families thrive in a world of digital media and technology. By teaching at least three digital citizenship lessons in every 3rd-5th grade classroom at over half of our schools, we are now a Digital Citizenship Certified District for 2016-17.
We also met with many PTAs to share information about how parents and guardians can help guide their children to navigate the internet safely and responsibly at home. Parents came away with tips for using and managing technology use at home, such as how to develop family rules and values around technology use, identifying developmentally appropriate content and how to be a model and mentor with our own technology use as adults.
We look forward to continuing the conversation about digital citizenship, both in school and at home. We are poised to continue the work in 2017-18!