In this episode of Growth over Grades, Marialice B.F.X. Curran, Ph.D. and Eugenia Tamez, from the DigCitInstitute, join Melody in a conversation focused on integrating digital citizenship into classroom settings by aligning it with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. They explore how these goals can serve as catalysts for authentic learning experiences and discuss how the layers of digital citizenship, as outlined by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), can be connected with the SDGs to promote global citizenship. They aim to provide students with opportunities to engage in solving real global issues.

Embracing Global Responsibilities through Digital Citizenship

Marialice and Eugenia emphasize the significance of human connection within digital citizenship, underscoring ways the DigCitInstitute helps schools adopt a community-wide approach to digital citizenship. They extend an invitation to educators to participate in their month-long 'call-to-action' initiative held each October and reveal exciting updates about an upcoming live student showcase event.

Listen, watch, or read the key takeaways below.

Episode Highlights

• 6:22 What are Sustainable Development Goals?
• 9:54 How can other educators get involved?
• 13:05 Why did you decide to connect the SDGs to digital citizenship?
• 27:38 What is one piece of wisdom you’d like to share with other educators?

Key Takeaways

• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) address some of the most critical needs of our world.
• Building on the definition of digital citizenship from the International Society for Technology (ISTE), the DigCitInstitute describes 6 layers of digital citizenship.
  • I am alert – fostering safe digital environments and monitoring one's digital footprint.
  • I am balanced – being aware of one's digital habits, understanding the impact of technology on well-being, and actively managing screen time to maintain a healthy balance between online and offline activities
  • I am engaged – fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration by generating and sharing digital content in various forms.
  • I am informed – critically interpreting media content, discerning biases and misinformation, and navigating the complexities of the digital world.
  • I am inclusive – respectfully recognizing multiple viewpoints and engaging with others online with respect and empathy.
  • I am an impactor – solving real problems in local, global, and digital communities; using tech for good to inspire, and empowering others to be the digital change.
• The DigCitInstitute works with school communities to create learning experiences for an entire school community. The outside community joins to learn alongside the students in experiences with digital citizenship as the foundation.
• During October, the DigCitInstitute presents a month-long initiative featuring daily call-to-action challenges. This platform enables teachers to engage with classrooms globally, fostering a student-driven and purposeful experience.

Curious about ungrading? Listen to S1E8 with Claire Romzek