With the increase of technology use in our district, we are committed to providing instruction in Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship. Primary teachers primarily utilize the NetSmartz curriculum. Teachers in grades 4-6 use Common Sense Media and supplement with Google's Be Internet Awesome - Interland game-based play. Secondary teachers utilize the Common Sense Media Digital Citizenship curriculum. This curriculum covers the following eight topics: Self-Image and Identity, Relationships and Communication, Digital Footprint and Reputation, Cyberbullying and Digital Drama, Information Literacy, Internet Safety, Privacy and Security, and Creative Credit and Copyright.
In addition to instruction in Internet Safety and Digital Citizenship, we also utilize GoGuardian to help us with our on and off-campus filtering and management of devices. GoGuardian allows teachers the opportunity to see students working in real-time, view students' open tabs and previous browsing history, and to create Study, Work, and Testing environments to maximize learning time and minimize distractions.
As teachers in our district infuse technology into their classrooms they are encouraged to reflect on the SAMR model of technology integration. This model supports teachers in the development of lessons that transform learning experiences. The SAMR model moves from simple Substitution (technology is a direct tool substitute) into Augmentation (technology creates a functional improvement), then Modification (technology allows for task redesign) with the end goal being Redefinition (technology allows for the creation of a new task, previously inconceivable).
Lastly, MLSD teachers are encouraged to focus on the ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) standards for educators and students. The seven standards for students include Empowered Learner, Digital Citizen, Knowledge Constructor, Innovative Designer, Computational Thinker, Creative Communicator, and Global Collaborator.
For more information on ISTE please visit the following link.