REP's in Teaching Digital Technology

It is important as teachers to ensure that our students become "digzers" - safe users of technology. Technology in the 21st century has rapidly expanded. It has brought us to cyberspace, that is something with the world and therefore exposing vulnerability. Students must understand that they must use technology safely, legally and ethically.

Before doing so teachers need to become well versed in digital citizenship and exhibit legal and ethical behaviour in their own professional standards.

We are all aware of the rise theme of digital citzenship. The concept of REP's (Respect Educate and Protect) is a way to explain to students the theme of digital citzenship. Respect yourself and others includes etiquette, access and law. Educate yourself and connect with others (literacy communication and commerce). Protect yourself (Protect others) rights, responsibility, safety, health and welfare.

The ikeep safe is a Google developed website that is an interactive curriculum that is filled with bands on and scenario activities for students, lesson plans for teachers and handbooks for parents. The program emphasize the REP's concept and most importantly it emphasizes partnership with teachers and parents in the goal of developing a responsible digital citizen.

The use of the digital passport I found was an innovative strategy that addresses key issues that children face in the digital world. Students move from one video game to another. They successfully relieve a digital citizen passport once completed each game when addresses issues on cyberbullying, evaluating online messages, etc.

There are many effecive teaching tools to address safe use of the interest and contribute to upstanding young digital citizens.