Cyber Civics: Middle School Students Become Informed Digital Citizens
To assist Middle School students in developing responsible online behavior, new instruction called Digital Citizenship and Literacy will be implemented into advisory groups this fall.
“The goal is to empower students to make the right choices when it comes to technology use and social media,” said Curriculum Coordinator for Grades 7-12 Adriana Alcina Gomez. “Building digital literacy skills is important as it helps students not only navigate and understand the ever-growing landscape, but allows them to learn effective practices and engage responsibly.”
Prior to the academic year, Ms. Gomez, Middle School Director Brian Christman, Head Media Specialist Stacey Schwartz, the Academic Tech Committee, and Middle School teachers met to discuss how best to introduce the topic of digital literacy and worked together to outline the workshop content. The framework for the lessons is provided through the online platform Common Sense Media as it offers resources, information, and instructions on several topics related to issues students may encounter in the digital space.
Through the discussions, the issue of digital dilemmas became the focal point - specifically how students are managing their online social interactions. Miss Schwartz provided a demo lesson for the advisors on how to approach and discuss different types of online dilemmas and ways to provide students with skills, strategies, and thinking routines necessary to deal with positive or negative situations.
During the year, the students will meet in their advisory groups for workshops where the advisors will facilitate an open conversation regarding a specific topic of interest. The topics include conversations on mental health and cyberbullying, learning how to differentiate between what is a hoax/deep fake and what is real, determining acceptable digital behaviors and raising awareness of the impact of the digital media footprint, and practicing balance and the reinforcement of healthy digital habits.
“It is important to address the realistic challenges and dilemmas our students face as they navigate the digital world,” said Director of Middle School Brian Christman. “Working in smaller groups allows for more interactive and engaging conversations that get students to really think about their digital lives and consider the impact their digital choices can have on different parts of their lives.”Hamden Hall Country Day School
1108 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
About Us
Hamden Hall Country Day School, located less than two miles from Yale University, is one of the best private schools in Connecticut to enroll elementary, middle, and high school students. Our nurturing and inclusive community provides a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.
