Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Catholic Education

Digital Citizenship Curriculum for Secondary Schools

Developed by AoP Tech

Introduction

        In congruence with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia School’s mission of “equipping saints for this life in this world and the next” today’s students need to be positive digital citizens. Because of this, AoP Tech has developed a condensed digital citizenship curriculum and resources for utilization at the secondary level based upon the Common Sense Media’s Scope and Sequence for Grades 9-12.

It should be noted that some of these lessons deal with sensitive topics and discussions. It is important that we as educators help prepare students for the realities of our world. For this reason, we strongly suggest that educators and administrators preview all lessons, videos, and materials before implementation in the classroom. Additionally, educators should prepare students and parents in advance for these mature, yet imperative conversations.

Curriculum Suggestions

In addition to these lessons, educators are able to supplement and reinforce this curriculum by:

• Being a positive digital citizen role model and upholding the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Responsible Use Policy, available on the Archdiocesan Educators Portal.
• Extend conversations on digital citizenship beyond these lessons as appropriate to students’ maturity and school needs. Additional lessons and prepared materials can be found on Common Sense Media’s website.
• Incorporate deeper Catholic materials and resources as needed and appropriate.

Implementation

As an introduction to this curriculum, we have provided a whole school introductory presentation to identify themes of digital citizenship and to provide an opportunity for schools to reinforce school technology policies. This presentation is best implemented by administrators during the opening of schools. Administrators are encouraged to adjust the language and scope of themes presented to the needs of individual grade levels. Additionally, a parent presentation has been developed and included in this curriculum for schools to utilize. If a school will be utilizing new devices with students, we strongly recommend parents attend the digital citizenship presentation prior to the distribution of devices.

At each grade level, there are two lessons to be taught as a part of the Theology or English curriculum. School communities are able to decide independently maintaining consistency throughout the building and grade levels. Each lesson includes an opening prayer, objectives, and links to a scripted lesson guide, presentation, assessment, and parent resources. All lessons that require printed handouts or contain sensitive topics have this information highlighted atop the lesson plan.

School communities have two options for when to integrate these lessons:

• All digital citizenship lessons are to be taught during Digital Citizenship Week in October. This could be used to support a school-wide focus and campaign during this last week of October.
• Alternatively, schools can select another time during the opening quarter to present these lessons. Both required lessons, at all grade levels, should be implemented in the same week for consistency and promotion in the school community. All lessons should be completed by the conclusion of the first quarter.

Additionally, 3 supplemental digital citizenship lessons are provided to further engage, enhance, and extend digital citizenship instruction. School communities are encouraged to utilize these lessons throughout the year following the two required lessons. These lessons will contain the same teacher resources. The school community can decide where and when to implement these supplemental, scripted materials; however, suggestions will be provided to support decision making in the community.  

If during a discussion, reflection, or activity a student provides information that may indicate possible concerns, as mandated reporters the teacher should immediately communicate these concerns with building administrators and school counselors.

Reporting Completion

Teachers should report to their APAAs when the digital citizenship curriculum lessons have been completed for school records. A Google Form will be provided to administrators to report this information to the Office of Catholic Education by the end of November.