Over the last few weeks, RYNJ sixth graders took part in classroom lessons on the theme of digital citizenship during their regular weekly technology class period. These lessons were designed to educate and train young people to become safe and responsible digital citizens. In addition, the guidance department presented lessons on communication to focus on the psychological, social and emotional development of the students.

Technology and digital media are evolving at a rapid pace, bringing amazing opportunities as well as real risks for our children. On the positive side, young people are using the Internet and mobile technologies to create, connect, explore and learn in ways never before imagined. But challenges from harmful behaviors, from cyberbullying to digital cheating, are arising in schools and in homes across the country.

The core message of the recent unit is one of empowerment: The resources focus on the main categories of digital citizenship based on the digital ethics research of Dr. Howard Gardner and The GoodPlay Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Students learned the material at their own pace through interactive lessons called Hyperdocs. These online lessons included researching topics, watching videos and even playing online games.

Raising and educating young people in today’s digital media environment is one of the most exciting and overwhelming challenges that parents and schools face today. RYNJ strives to partner with parents to raise a generation of kids who become smart, responsible and respectful digital citizens.