Be Internet Awesome

In library class 5th grade has begun a unit on digital safety, following Google's Be Internet Awesome curriculum.  From the curriculum introduction:

Welcome to the Be Internet Awesome curriculum, a collaboration between Google
and the Internet Keep Safe Coalition (iKeepSafe.org). This resource is part of
Be Internet Awesome, a multifaceted program designed to teach kids the skills
they need to be safe and smart online. 

Five fundamental topics of digital safety and citizenship form the Internet Code
of Awesome:

• Share with Care (Be Internet Smart)
• Don’t Fall for Fake (Be Internet Alert)
• Secure Your Secrets (Be Internet Strong)
• It’s Cool to Be Kind (Be Internet Kind)
• When in Doubt, Talk It Out (Be Internet Brave)

Over the next few months we will be going through the lessons and discussing online safety and digital citizenship and in order to prepare the students for their journey to middle school.  

If you'd like to discuss this with your child at home, check out the curriculum, the interactive game they'll have a chance to use in school, and Google's FamilyLink app.

Making comics

Last week 3rd and 4th graders learned about cyberbullying and being CSR online as well as off.  We watched a video, played some games, then the students were tasked with making a comic strip to illustrate the point.  I gave them the option of drawing one, or using the web tool Make Beliefs Comix! to make one online.  We were pressed for time, unfortunately, but they still came up with some awesome comics!

Students will have more time in library this week to work on their comic strips or create new ones.  I love seeing the ideas they come up with!

VT Fest 2016 - Day 1

I had such a cool day today at Vermont Fest 2016 at the Killington Grand Resort. Vermont Fest is a chance for educators to get together and talk tech! I learned about paper circuits and I can't wait to make paper circuit holiday cards with some of the students next month!

So proud of my first paper circuit project!

Inside the card you can see the copper tape and LED lights.

Ooohhh.... fireflies!  :)

They have a great Innovation Space set up where you can check out the latest technology, including those paper circuits, 3D printing, green screen technology, and the latest robots on the market. Tomorrow they'll have a session on eTextiles! I'll be there! There are so many neat robots and STEM "toys" on the market. I pretty much want them all in the library!

These Ozobots look very engaging.  I'm sure the kids would love them!  I saw some cool Cubelets as well that I would love to have at our Makerspace table. 

I attended workshops about digital citizenship, technology integration, coding. We talked about how to introduce Scratch to students, how to "push" Hour of Code into all areas of school, includingn "unplugged" activities in the specials classes. I learned about a few grant sources from other participants, and got to try a few new apps. On deck for tomorrow is more coding, another paper circuit cards, building community through social media, and the "digital backpack," Stay tuned!

Using the "Design Thinking" process and a handful of random items, my team created an "usie" stand to take a group photo.  I also learned that "usie" is the word to use when you're taking a "selfie" of a whole group of people.  Learn something new every day!

Acceptable Use

As part of our Digital Citizenship curriculum, the 5th graders this week learned about the Hartford School District's Acceptable Use of Technology Policy.  The policy covers what is allowed, and not allowed, on HSD computers, devices, and networks.  We reviewed it as a class, answered questions as they arose, and then each student signed a copy stating that they understood and agreed to use HSD technology appropriately.

Copies will be sent home with students next week so they can share with parents.  It's important for everyone to be aware of the expectations since more and more school work is being done online these days, both in school and at home.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Online Safety and Rings of Responsibility

Between the books and the blocks we will also be spending time this year talking Internet safety and how to be a good digital citizen.

This week the second graders took a virtual field trip to the San Diego Zoo.  We learned about mammals, watched live animals on the "animal cams," and looked at frogs up close.  Before our "trip" we talked about how to stay safe while on a field trip and the kids had lots of great suggestions, such as staying with the group, listening to the teacher, and sitting down on the bus.  Then we talked about being safe online for our "virtual field trip".  We talked about asking before going online, talking to an adult about what site you want to visit, and how to tell if a video is appropriate to watch.

When we were done with our field trip the kids each drew a picture of what they liked best.  If you have a chance, please ask your child about it and reiterate the importance of going to safe, appropriate places online.

If you'd like to further this learning at home, check out this activity sheet from Common Sense Media.

Going Places Safely Online activity sheet



Third graders learned about the "Rings of Responsibility" and discussed different ways to be responsible for yourself, your friends and family, and your community.  We talked about brushing your teeth, eating a healthy breakfast, feeding your pets, listening to your parents, being kind to your friends, picking up litter in the community, and helping your neighbor mow their lawn, and much more.  Then we moved the concept online and talked about how to be responsible for your self (by selecting appropriate websites, for example), and your family (by not sharing your address online, for example), and your online community (by being kind and considerate in online communications).  If you'd like to further this learning at home, check out this activity sheet from Common Sense Media.

Rings of Responsibility activity sheet