Just for Today recognize that you can build a positive reputation. Even if you have said or done negative things in the past, start today to be honest, reliable and reputable. You can use social media to make a positive difference or a negative difference. It is all up to YOU.
Digital Citizenship has a place in every school and we need to focus on the positive aspects of the internet as well as the things that concern us.
You might want to ask yourself:
- What are the creative opportunities on the web?
- How can I make a positive impact on the world on the web?
- What are the ethical dilemmas?
- What are the rewards and the risks of being on line?
As an educator it is important for you to find great examples on the internet of students doing things to not only improve their own opportunities, but to improve the lives of those in their school, communities, and around the world. We also need to encourage students to look for these great examples as well.
I’d like to see schools focus on those students who make a difference on the internet by providing them with a scholarship that recognizes all the good they do online.
I’d also like to see every school teach students and educators about Creative Commons .
As educators we need to create our own digital footprint and model good Digital Citizenship for our students. Taking Care Of Your Digital Self highlights the importance of a positive digital presence.
When teaching Digital Citizenship we need students to recognize that they need to be responsible and learn everything they can about being a good citizen period.
We need to ask students:
- If I were to look you up online what would I find?
- What would you want others to find?
- If your grandmother googled you would she be proud of what she found?
- What is your digital tattoo? Find out more information at http://digitaltattoo.ubc.ca/
George Couros discusses the importance of students developing digital leadership skills—positive, proactive connection, cultivation, sharing, and creation of new knowledge and learning to help others.
Resources:
Be a Digital Citizen
Choose what happens next … a you tube video that is interactive for students
Alec Couros has an excellent wiki of amazing resources to use :
My livebinder on Digital Citizenship:
My pinterest site on Digital Citizenship:
Check out my Haiku Deck on Digital Identity
If you have any other ideas or resources to share on this topic please do.
Counsellor Talk : Creative Collaborative Connections 
2 thoughts on “Making A Difference On Line … Using Social Media to Make the World A Better Place for Educators and Students”