PHSE/ICT Circle Time Module Digital Citizenship

We have a duty of care, to pupils, to promote responsible digital citizenship in a changing technological climate. It is my belief that a little knowledge and understanding gained though guided discussion can help promote safer technological use.
Facts gained from a pupil survey of 410 7-11 year olds in Feb 2008
Facts gained from a pupils survey of 467 7-11 year olds in Feb 2010

 

Passwords

This module looks at why it is important to keep passwords to ourselves and not share these with anyone. Pupils discuss real scenarios and in my experience many will have their own horror stories to share.

 

Cyber people

This module explores the need for caution over anything communicated to us from anyone we have never met face to face.

 

Images

This module looks at how we use images through various situations that children may encounter.

 

Have your say

This module looks at the difference between communication that has sound and verbal context and that which doesn't. Particulary useful for chat rooms and discussion forums.

 

Instant Messaging

Although Messenger services are blocked in most schools many pupils have this technology at home and it is good to discuss its safe use. We are not in any way condoning its use for junior school pupils as that is the responsibility of parents but surveys have shown that 40% of our pupils use this technology at home.

 

Mobile Phones

Many young people are given mobile phones. Understanding the etiquette involved in their use and what to do if they are bullied using these devices is important.

 

Web Presence
I have tried to put best practise together in this section on social networking. However a lot of the advice is good for being a community member of Studywiz or any VLE.

 

What to do if
A round up of the most important advice with a collection of good web links for teachers and pupils

NB Some modules may take more time than others