DC+Lessons+Grade+5

Digital Citizenship Lessons, Grade 5:
This is a time of rapid change in the students' lives. Students want more independence from their families and in their school activities. Relationships with friends become more important, and students take more interest in the world around them, including the virtual world of the Internet.

Generally speaking, 11-12 year-olds (Media Awareness Network, 2008):
 * Feel in control when it comes to technology
 * are intrigued by subcultures beyond the world of their parents
 * lack the critical thinking skills to judge the accuracy of online information
 * accept entertainment and games uncritically
 * are vulnerable to online marketers soliciting personal information
 * are at a sensitive time in their sexual development
 * are interested in building relationships with online acquaintances
 * may be bullied or may bully others online

With this in mind, it is especially important to emphasize digital citizenship with this group of emerging independent online users. - Students are introduced to cyberbullying and are provided with opportunities to explore this concept and discuss the importance of using empathy and common sense when talking to others online.

- Students are introduced to the 5 Ws of Cyberspace (Who, What, When Where, Why) and How to determine credible online information sources

- Students learn "aducation" techniques to recognize and look critically at advertising strategies, including online marketing techniques.

- Students learn how to maintain privacy on a social networking and commercial sites, specifically when it comes to creating a personal profile or providing personal information when answering questionnaires.

- Students learn to manage online communications: stranger contact, privacy management, meeting online friends in person, and being a target or witness to cyberbullying.