School: Digital Citizenship for its commitment to preparing students to use technology responsibly.
Ingomar Elementary achieved this recognition by integrating structured, tailored lessons about digital citizenship into the curriculum, as well as holding smaller group lessons during recess and lunch. Through this approach, students gained valuable skills for using digital media to explore, create, connect and learn while limiting risks such as plagiarism, loss of privacy and cyberbullying.
“ We’ re honored to be recognized as a Common Sense Digital Citizenship Certified School,” says Dr. Kristen Silbaugh, Principal of Ingomar Elementary School.“ By giving our students the foundation to use technology responsibly, we are providing them with unlimited opportunities to maximize and personalize their learning.”
The elementary school’ s digital citizenship lessons were guided by the innovative and research-based resources developed by Common Sense Education, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and families thrive in a world of digital media and technology. These resources assist educators by teaching students tangible skills related to Internet safety, protecting online reputations and privacy, managing online relationships and respecting creative copyright.
Teaching students digital citizenship skills ties into North Allegheny School District’ s Focus 2020 technology initiative. Focus 2020, which involves a significant 1:1 digital device initiative, was first implemented during the 2015-2016 school year to provide students with equitable learning environments that are innovative and rich in technology.
“ Integrating digital citizenship lessons into the K-12 curriculum has been a key aspect of our Focus 2020 technology initiative,” says Dr. Robert Scherrer, Superintendent of North Allegheny School District.“ In order to best prepare all North Allegheny students for success in a changing world, it is vitally important for our schools to provide students with the necessary tools and resources for using technology ethically and responsibly.”
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