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Samaritans on the Digital Road

Fostering Inclusivity Online

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Learning Goals

I can practice being inclusive in virtual spaces and online communities.
I can explain what it means to be a good cyber friend.
I can recognize what it means to be responsible in the digital community.
I can collaborate with others.
I can identify how to create a positive digital footprint.

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Prayer

Dear God,

Thank you for making the world a beautiful place with so many different people. The internet is like a giant playground where we can all connect and learn from each other!

Just like the Good Samaritan who helped the stranger, we want to be kind and welcoming to everyone online, no matter how different they seem.

Help us to use words that are friendly and inclusive, and to stand up for others who might be feeling left out.

Amen.

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The Good Samaritan

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Virtual Spaces and Online Communities

What is a virtual space or online community?

Are you a part of any?

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Online Friend / Citizen

How can you be a good cyber friend like the parable of the Good Samaritan?

Be Nice with Your Words
Share the Fun
Be Patient and Understanding
Use Emojis Wisely
Ask Questions and Listen
Respect Boundaries
Include Others
Tell a Grown-Up

Read and unpack the following statements together as a class.

Be Nice with Your Words: Use kind and friendly language, just like how you wouldn't call someone names on the playground. Say "hello" and "goodbye," and use words that make your friend feel good.

Share the Fun: Maybe you found a cool game online – ask if your friend wants to play together! Sharing online experiences can be like sharing your favorite toy at school.

Be Patient and Understanding: Typing can be tricky, so be patient if your friend takes a while to write back. It's like waiting your turn on the swings – everyone gets a chance!

Use Emojis Wisely: Emojis can add fun to your messages, but don't overdo it! Use them when they make sense, like a smiley face to show you're happy.

Ask Questions and Listen: Be curious about your friend's online world! Ask them about their favorite games or what they like to do online. Remember, listening is important too, just like when your friend tells you a story at school.

Respect Their Boundaries: Maybe your friend needs to go offline for dinner. Don't keep sending messages if they don't respond right away. They'll be back to chat later, just like you take breaks from playing outside.

Include Others: If you're playing a game online, see if there's room for another friend! Being inclusive is like inviting others to join your fort at recess.

Tell a Grown-Up if Needed: If something online makes you feel uncomfortable, or someone is being mean, tell a grown-up right away. It's like asking a teacher for help if someone is being unfair at school.

Image Source: https://k12.thoughtfullearning.com/blogpost/how-improve-media-literacy

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Responsible Digital Citizen

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Positive Digital Footprint

Here are ways you can be inclusive in digital spaces …

Think before you post
Focus on the positive
Be respectful and kind
Maintain privacy settings
Be careful about what information you share
Spread awareness about positive causes
Be aware of online scams and misinformation
Give credit where credit is due

Read the list of ways you can leave a positive digital footprint.

Think before you post: Take a moment to consider how your posts might be perceived by others, both now and in the future. Would you want a future employer or classmate to see it?

Focus on the positive: Share things that uplift, inspire, or educate others. This could be anything from creative content you've made to interesting articles you've read.

Be respectful and kind: Avoid negativity, cyberbullying, or spreading rumors online. Treat others with the same respect you would want to be treated with in person.

Maintain privacy settings: Adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms to control who sees your information and posts.

Be careful about what information you share: Don't share personal details like your address or phone number publicly online.

Spread awareness about positive causes: Use your online voice to support causes you care about and raise awareness for important issues.

Be aware of online scams and misinformation: Don't spread false information or fall victim to online scams.

Give credit where credit is due: If you share someone else's work online, be sure to properly credit them.

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Call to Action!

Collaborate with Others …

Read this book or click the “remix” button and use it as a template.

Use Book Creator to create a class book about being a good inclusive digital citizen.

Every student can create a page to add to the book.

Can you share it with other classes?