Digital Literacy Newsletter
by Allie Torrans
Self-Image and Identity
As students begin to use more and more technology and social media, their self-image becomes not only the person they are in real life, but focuses on the image they portray on the internet. Now, their identities have the ability to become whoever they decide to be online.
Self-image and identity relate to the Louisiana Digital Literacy goals, especially under the Acceptable Use, Copyright, Plagiarism, and Online Safety category. Students should be informed of the dangers behind posing as whoever they chose to be on the Internet. Under this section, they pinpoint communication online. There are many dangers when communicating with someone on the Internet and we should share this with students.
In my classroom, I will emphasize the importance of limiting the information the students share about themselves online. Students should have knowledge about who can see what they expose on their social media profiles. With that being said, the deception behind online profiles is apparent due to photoshop. Altered photos may be appealing, however they can also hide faults. I would like for my students to understand that the images they see online could have been changed to make it look more appealing, therefore not all of it is real.
Following is a video with informative statistics about self-image and identity...
Tips for Self-Image and Identity
- limit the information you input about yourself
- do not fall for online deception
- everything you expose on the Internet stays there
Information Literacy
Once students begin to explore the Internet and its numerous sources, they need to be sure their resources are providing valid information. With the Internet utilized as a tool to answer any question, students need to beware of the credentials a source should have to be considered accurate. Information literacy is important in understanding the process behind researching electronically.
Information literacy relates to the Louisiana Digital Literacy goals mainly under the knowledge of plagiarism. Under the Acceptable Use, Copyright, Plagiarism, and Online Safety section, there are many points referencing the proper use of information attained on the Internet. Inappropriate use, such as pasting information straight from the source or not giving any credit, will result in proper punishment. Secondly, the Research and Information Gathering section of the goals insists we introduce our students to appropriate research methods.
In my future classroom, I will be sure my students know the difference between right and wrong when searching the web. Plagiarism is a serious issue in schools today, and I plan to guide my students away from the temptations of copy and pasting. Although I plan on teaching at the elementary level, I believe that is the time to start demonstrating appropriate research methods.
Following is a video that demonstrates suitable ways to attain research through the Internet...
Tips for Information Literacy
- check your sources' validity
- be sure not to imitate anyone's work
- give credit where it is due
Cyberbullying and Digital Drama
Cyberbullying and digital drama take place when one person is harassed by another via any digital tool, such as a phone or computer. With the interaction not being face to face, bullies tend to feel stronger on the Internet. Someone could post an embarrassing image or even just post something hurtful, so all of their social media friends can see.
Cyberbullying and digital drama relate to the Louisiana Digital Literacy Goals when referencing online safety and communication and collaboration. As students are the generation prone to the most cyberbullying, we should warn them of the harms of hurting a classmate's feelings over the Internet. Also, we should inform them of the benefits of actually collaborating with each other over the Internet.
Following is a short video about the effects of cyberbullying in schools...
Tips for Cyberbullying and Digital Drama
- do not reveal your anger on social media sites
- understand the harmful effect it can have on someone
- tell an adult if you see someone being bullied on the Internet
Credits to...
- Creative Commons on Google Image Search
- Youtube