Digital Citizenship

IUSD believes in the importance of empowering every student to become a successful, responsible, and engaged digital citizen, equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an ever-evolving digital world.  In partnership with our families and community, IUSD provides a comprehensive and innovative educational experience that fosters academic excellence, critical thinking, and ethical digital citizenship.

We are dedicated to:

• Equipping students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape safely, responsibly, and ethically.
• Cultivating critical thinking to evaluate online information, make informed decisions, and use technology effectively for learning and personal growth.
• Promoting positive digital citizenship by encouraging respect, empathy, and responsible online interactions.
• Partnering with parents and the community to create a seamless and supportive learning environment that extends beyond the classroom.

In today's interconnected world, technology is an integral part of our lives. Preparing our students to be responsible and ethical digital citizens is essential for their success in school, the workplace, and life.  Digital citizenship teaches students to stay safe online, build healthy relationships, and protect their reputations. It helps them use technology effectively for learning and become positive contributors to the online world.

We believe that parents and families play a crucial role in reinforcing digital citizenship at home. We encourage you to:

• Talk to your children about their online activities: Stay engaged and aware of their digital world.
• Establish clear guidelines and expectations: Create family media agreements and discuss responsible technology use.
• Model positive digital citizenship: Demonstrate responsible online behavior and critical thinking skills.
• Stay informed about online trends and risks: Utilize resources and tools to stay up-to-date on the latest digital challenges.

By working together, we can empower our students to become confident, responsible, and successful digital citizens.
 

Our district takes a multi-faceted approach to teaching social media and digital media literacy, combining resources for students, parents, and educators:

FOR STUDENTS

• Curriculum Design: A curated scope and sequence for digital citizenship is made available, covering topics like online safety, responsible use, and critical evaluation of information. 
• EdTech Mentors: Teacher leaders in each school, known as EdTech Mentors (ETMs), receive ongoing training and support to support the school site in delivering digital citizenship lessons and best practices into the site’s instruction

FOR PARENTS

• Community Resources: IUSD provides information and resources for parents on the district's website. 
• Public-Facing Communication: IUSD posts timely articles and social media reminders on best practices and tips for working with children and their digital interactions. 

FOR EDUCATORS

• Professional Development: EdTech Mentors (ETMs) have access to best practices for teaching social media and digital literacy, sharing resources, and collaborating on implementation strategies.
• External Resources: The district utilizes and recommends high-quality external resources like Common Sense Media and Be Internet Awesome to supplement its digital citizenship curriculum and provide additional support for both teachers and families.
  • Common Sense Media: This recommended resource is frequently used by teachers in the classroom and can also support families with the topic of Digital Citizenship and Digital Literacy at home.
  • Be Internet Awesome: To make the most of the Internet, kids need to be prepared to make smart decisions. Be Internet Awesome teaches kids the fundamentals of digital citizenship and safety so they can explore the online world with confidence.
  • Developing Digital Detectives: This is a highly recommended book that focuses on equipping students with the critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate online information and differentiate fact from fiction in today's complex digital landscape. It provides educators with strategies and resources to help students become savvy consumers of digital media.

This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that digital citizenship education is embedded throughout the learning experience, empowering students to navigate the digital world responsibly and confidently.