We are surrounded by technology in more ways than ever before. Students growing up today are considered “digital natives,” meaning they have experienced life with a vast array of technology and digital media at their fingertips. While this reality presents exciting educational opportunities, it can also be overwhelming for many teachers who are not as comfortable with the numerous apps, games, and digital platforms in use today.
As educators, our challenge is to use technology effectively for teaching and learning. According to Mike Ribble, Digital Citizenship in Schools, “Just as you teach your students the rules of society, it is imperative that you teach them the rules of the digital world, and how to be safe and responsible with technology.”
If you are unclear or want more information on what Digital Citizenship is all about, check out this video from one of Pepper's partners, Common Sense Education: Digital Citizenship Video.
To help educators teach their students how to use technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly, Common Sense Education and Public Consulting Group (PCG) have partnered to offer digital citizenship courses through Pepper, PCG's online professional learning platform. These courses (tailored for elementary, middle, high school, and for school leaders) will build teachers' understanding of eight core digital citizenship topics, provide a guided, interactive experience with our high-quality instructional materials, and provide access to Pepper's robust online community of educators. Courses for middle and high school educators are currently available; the course for elementary educators is scheduled for release soon.
Course Features
- Designed to address internet safety, appropriate online behavior, and cyberbullying topics that E-rate recipients are required to teach to students
- Pepper's professional learning platform built on powerful technology developed by Harvard University and MIT
- Flexibility to work through the self-paced course independently or in small groups to promote an authentic, personalized learning experience
- Opportunity to collaborate with peers, access resources, and share best practices through Pepper's online community
- Learning activities provide foundational knowledge for teachers to become Common Sense Certified Educators in digital citizenship
Continuing education credits are available.
Courses Currently Available
Coming Soon
- Digital Citizenship: Preparing Students for Learning and Life (Elementary Educators)
You can find more information about Digital Citizenship on the Common Sense Education website, by visiting the Digital Citizenship tab from their main page, or by clicking here. You can learn more about these courses and others available from Pepper on their Courses and Workshops page.
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