Digital Literacy Means More Responsibilities

   When we think about the web and other technology, we often then think about all of the amazing tools and capabilities they have that have changed over lives for the better.  But we often forget that with it comes greater risks, especially for our students.  As a middle school teacher, I often hear my students discussing a conversation they had while texting or what was said on Facebook.  I have seen fights and other incidents brought about by things that were said online or through texts.  They do not realize the power their words have when they are put into writing.  Technology has brought up issues of cyberbullying now that carries over into our schools.  As teachers, we now have to teach our students how to navigate this crazy world of technology and be responsible when they are using it.  We need to help them so they do not end up talking to people they do not know or exploring things on the web that are inappropriate for them.  Digital literacy can transform the way we do things, especially in our schools, but we need to teach responsibility so that it does not end up having negative effects on our students.

Check out this video about Digital Literacy.