Here are five steps to get started.
1. Google it. Ask students to Google themselves to see what and who comes up when they type their name into a search engine. It should be clear that anyone—from parents to teachers can do this and find the same information
2. Select a “safe” educational-focused social platform for students to learn responsible behavior in the classroom. Understanding digital citizenship on an educational platform will translate to their other social networks like Facebook and Twitter.
3. Help students create an online “portfolio” to showcase their work, best accomplishments, and the things that they are most proud of. A portfolio will help students curate their own identity and show the things that are appropriate for sharing.
4. Establish a “Golden Rule.” Ask students to ask themselves, “Is this something I’d be embarrassed about if my parents, teacher, or principal saw it?” before posting online. Students should know that everything they put into the “digital world” is public, and people that they don’t even know can see it.
5. Help students learn that their online persona should reflect their offline persona. Ask students to create a short video, blog or slideshow about who they are—something that reflects their good qualities and the things they want the public to know about them.
If social media platforms are embraced in the classroom rather than ignored, students will learn responsible online behavior from the start, which will carry with them through their educational and professional careers. And as the world becomes more digitally focused, they will be better prepared for what’s to come, and pass this behavior on to future generations.
